French giants handed lifeline after financial turmoil and major leadership shake-up.
Lyon have successfully overturned their relegation, earning a dramatic lifeline that keeps them in Ligue 1 for the 2025/26 season.
The decision was confirmed on Wednesday, July 9, after the French league’s financial watchdog, the DNCG, accepted Lyon’s appeal against their demotion.
Two weeks earlier, NRTC reported that the seven-time French champions were shockingly relegated due to serious financial concerns, including debts estimated at €175 million. However, Lyon’s management moved swiftly, presenting their case on Wednesday in front of the DNCG, which ultimately ruled in their favour.
In a statement following the verdict, the club expressed gratitude to the DNCG’s appeals committee. Lyon praised the panel for acknowledging the fresh direction under new leadership, which is committed to sound financial governance and sporting ambition.
That leadership change came just last week, when American businesswoman Michele Kang took over as club president after John Textor resigned in the wake of relegation.
Michele Kang’s reign begins
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Kang, who was already in charge of the club’s women’s team, becomes the face of a new chapter for Lyon, supported closely by Michael Gerlinger, general manager of Eagle Football Holdings.
Importantly, Lyon’s reinstatement means they will now take part in next season’s UEFA Europa League, thanks to their sixth-place finish in the recently concluded Ligue 1 campaign. The European ticket is seen as both a sporting reward and financial boost for a club desperate to reset.
Meanwhile, Lyon’s restructuring goes beyond leadership. The club has trimmed its wage bill by releasing key figures such as veteran striker Alexandre Lacazette and long-serving goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Additionally, they’ve offloaded Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Maxence Caqueret to Italian side Como to stabilize finances.
Although John Textor’s departure ends a turbulent era, his Eagle Football Holdings has pumped €83 million into the club in recent months to help balance the books. Notably, he also offloaded his 43% stake in Crystal Palace in June as part of that process.
While the road ahead remains uncertain, Wednesday’s ruling marks a vital turning point for Lyon. With fresh leadership, financial commitment from stakeholders, and a return to European football, the club now hopes to rebuild its legacy on and off the pitch.
Tags: DNCG, Lyon, relegation, Ligue 1, Ligue 2, Olympique Lyonnais, Michele Kang, John Textor, Eagle Football Holdings, Crystal Palace, UEFA Europa League, #UEL.
