The Rumble Over Lyon's Relegation: Fans Declare War and Top Talent Gets Poached
Disgruntled Supporters Vow Military Action against Lyon's Management
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The forced descent of seven-time French football kings Olympique Lyon has ignited a storm of furious reactions across France. Fans are voicing their discontent with combative language. Meanwhile, rival clubs are tempting away Lyon's top-tier players. The club teeters on the brink of collapse.
One of the largest Lyon fan groups, "Bad Gones," has hung defiant posters at notable locations around the city with the slogan "Textor dehors" ("Textor out"), denouncing American club owner John Textor. A banner proclaiming "Textor: War has been declared" was suspended across a central street in Lyon, according to AFP.
These provocative banners were found at the gates of the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, near the Groupama Stadium, and on bridges spanning the Rhône and Saône rivers. "John Textor was never the right man and never will be," a statement from "Bad Gones" reads. "We call on his numerous creditors to regain control and hand over the keys to Olympique Lyonnais to someone who respects our institution and cleanses it of the numerous affronts it has endured."
A Financial Earthquake in French Football
The French football financial regulatory body, DNCG, announced on Tuesday that the sixth-placed team from the previous season would not be allowed to compete in Ligue 1 due to its precarious financial situation. A conditional relegation for Lyon was established in November 2024, when the club's debts had surged to around €500 million.
To alleviate the burden, Lyon has slashed salaries through a voluntary separation plan for roughly 100 employees and offloaded several high-profile players like longtime emblem Alexandre Lacazette. Significant transfers, such as that of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City for €40 million, have helped stabilize the finances.
The American Tycoon's Appeal
Despite Textor's announcement to appeal the DNCG's decision the same evening, intimating their financial stability, numerous doubts remain. Textor holds stakes in other professional clubs such as Botafogo in Brazil and RWD Molenbeek in Belgium through his investment company Eagle Football. He recently inked a deal to divest his shares in Crystal Palace, with the proceeds earmarked to ensure Olympique Lyon's continuation in the premier French league.
Given Lyon's uncertain future post-2024 and their star-studded roster, other clubs have already started scouring for Lyon's most valuable assets. Belgian winger Malick Fofana is particularly sought after by FC Chelsea. Interest in Argentine national player Thiago Almada, Georgian EU striker Georges Mikautadze, and former Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso is also being gauged.
Sources: ntv.de, ses/dpa/sid
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- In response to Olympique Lyon's precarious financial situation and potential relegation, several top-tier football clubs are showing interest in poaching the club's star players, such as Malick Fofana, Thiago Almada, and Corentin Tolisso.
- The fans of Olympique Lyon, particularly "Bad Gones," are vocalizing their dissent against club owner John Textor, displaying posters and banners demanding his removal, such as the one reading "Textor dehors" ("Textor out").
