Seven-time French champions Olympique Lyonnais have retained their place in Ligue 1 after winning an appeal against relegation, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Wednesday.
The club had been demoted to Ligue 2 last month by French football’s financial regulator, following budgetary restrictions imposed in November. However, the FFF’s appeals commission overturned the decision, allowing Lyon to remain in the top flight.
In a statement, the club expressed gratitude to the commission, stating, “Today’s decision marks a crucial first step in restoring trust in Lyon. We thank the appeals panel for recognising the vision of our new leadership.”
The decision comes amid a significant leadership change. American businesswoman Michele Kang recently succeeded fellow American John Textor as club president. Kang, previously president of Lyon’s women’s team and now the second-largest shareholder, will oversee a reduced wage and transfer budget as mandated by the FFF.
Textor, who acquired majority ownership from long-time president Jean-Michel Aulas in December 2022, announced two weeks ago that he would step back from daily operations. He also recently sold his 43% stake in Premier League club Crystal Palace in a bid to stabilise Lyon’s finances.
In addition to cutting costs, Lyon have offloaded several high-profile players, including Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Maxence Caqueret to Como, while club veterans Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Lopes have taken pay cuts. Textor’s Eagle Football Group has injected €83 million into the club.
Despite financial turmoil, Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, securing a place in the UEFA Europa League. They will participate in the competition but have agreed to pay a fine to UEFA.
Lyon, who won seven consecutive league titles between 2002 and 2008 under Aulas, began their pre-season on Monday. They will open the new campaign away at Lens between August 15 and 17.
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