Burning Fury: Lyon Fans Go to War Over Club's Fate
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Dissatisfied supporters announce retaliation against Lyon management
The impending fairytale fall of Lyon, France's seven-time football titan, has not only left a sour taste in the city, but it's also sparked a firestorm of anger among fans. With battle cries echoing through the streets, "War is declared" against club owner John Textor, it seems even the most diehard supporters are taking up arms.
In a move reminiscent of guerrilla marketing tactics, Lyon's largest fan group, "Bad Gones," has slapped protest posters emblazoned with "Textor dehors" (Textor out) all over the city. One such banner, hanging over a main street, points directly at the heart of the chaos – "Textor: War is declared." Such displays have been spotted at the foot of the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, near the Groupama Stadium, and atop bridges over the Rhône and Saône rivers[2].
"Bad Gones" isn't pulling any punches, declaring that Textor has never been the right man and never will be[2]. They're urging his creditors to take control of Olympique Lyonnais, handing it over to anyone who respects its legacy and cleanses it of its current troubles[2].
This administrative relegation, slated for the 2025–26 season, comes as a cruel blow to a club that once held the throne of Ligue 1 for seven years straight[2][3]. The French football financial watchdog, Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG), declared that Lyon's troubling financial situation left them no choice but to relegate the sixth-placed team from the previous season[2]. A temporary reprieve of the forced relegation from November 2024 had been granted on probation due to Lyon's debts of around €500 million[2].
With the team's back against the wall, Lyon resorted to drastic measures, including a voluntary employee severance plan and the departure of star players like Alexandre Lacazette[2]. However, their attempts to balance the books failed to impress the DNCG[2].
The club has vowed to appeal the decision, with Textor maintaining that they have the means to maintain Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1[2]. A sale of Textor's shares in English cup winner Crystal Palace was meant to provide that necessary cash injection, but the decision has already been made[2].
Compounding the club's woes, other teams are already eyeing Lyon's prized players. Belgian winger Malick Fofana, Argentine national player Thiago Almada, Georgian EM striker Georges Mikautadze, and former Bayern player Corentin Tolisso are all on the radar[2]. And it's not just any team. FC Chelsea is reportedly courting Fofana[2].
With Lyon's future hanging in the balance, it seems the only certainty is a storm on the horizon. The once mighty Lyon, once synonymous with French football excellence, now stands a whisper away from obscurity[1]. This moment represents more than just a sporting blow – it's a threat to the club's identity, prestige, and long-term place in top-flight French football[3].
Source: ntv.de, ses/dpa/sid
Olympique Lyon, a prestigious club with a rich history, finds itself on the precipice of a historic setback following administrative relegation. This relegation, stemming from severe financial difficulties and a reported debt of €505 million, leaves the club in a precarious position[2][3].
The club's financial woes came to light in late 2024, when the DNCG provisionally relegated Lyon pending financial rectification efforts. Despite measures like selling their American NWSL team OL Reign and shares in the Groupama Stadium, Lyon failed to meet the regulatory financial requirements[2].
Criticism has been leveled at club president John Textor’s administration for poor financial management, and their efforts to reverse the relegation decision have so far been unsuccessful[2][3].
The tumult surrounding Lyon has sparked fan protests, with supporters declaring "War" against Textor[1][2][3].
Lyon has filed an appeal against the relegation, and the decision remains in effect unless overturned. The outcome of this appeal may determine the club's future prospects and the road to recovery for a fallen giant[1][2].
- In light of Olympique Lyon's financial trouble and potential relegation, the club's largest fan group, "Bad Gones," has proposed a new community policy, urging for Textor's removal and advocating for change that respects the club's legacy and alleviates its financial woes.
- The ongoing turmoil at Lyon has sparked a wave of concern in the international sports community, with discussions revolving around the fate of the club and the impact of financial mismanagement in a high-profile sports organization, opening a debate not only in the global football community but also in employment policies for sports teams.
