Season kick-off for Olympique Lyon at HSV's stadium - Lyon's Debut in HSV's Opening Match of the Season
In a dramatic turn of events, French football club Olympique Lyon has been officially relegated to Ligue 2 by the DNCG (National Directorate of Colleges of Commissioners General for Football), following a financial audit that revealed significant financial instability, including debts reportedly totalling around 500 million euros.
This relegation decision, initially provisional in late 2024, was confirmed after a meeting in June 2025 between club owner John Textor and the DNCG. Despite the club's efforts to improve its finances through shareholder equity injections and the sale of a stake in Crystal Palace, the DNCG judged these measures insufficient to guarantee the club's financial viability for the 2025/26 season.
In response, Olympique Lyon has publicly announced it will immediately appeal the ruling. The club argues it has demonstrated adequate cash flow and resources to maintain its Ligue 1 license, and points to its recent sporting successes, having qualified for European competition in two consecutive years. However, the final outcome of the appeal remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Olympique Lyon's financial situation may impact its performance in upcoming matches, such as the friendly match against Hamburg SV, scheduled for 3:00 PM. The German club is hosting a grand festival for its fans on July 26, and the friendly match is part of Hamburg SV's celebration of its return to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence.
Club owner John Textor has stepped down from his leadership roles following the ruling on mandatory relegation. US businesswoman Michele Kang, previously the majority owner of the OL women's team, has become the new chairwoman of Olympique Lyon and CEO of Textor's holding company, Eagle Football.
Whether Olympique Lyon will retain its Ligue 1 license depends on the results of the upcoming appeal hearing. As of now, the DNCG ruling stands, meaning relegation is in effect unless the club successfully overturns the decision.
| Aspect | Status | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | DNCG ruling | Relegation to Ligue 2 confirmed | | Club response | Immediate appeal filed | | Financial issues | Massive debts and financial instability cited | | Sporting performance | Qualified for European competition | | Europa League participation | Retained for next season pending appeal | | Final outcome | Pending appeal decision | | Current league position | Finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season | | Club ownership | John Textor has stepped down, Michele Kang now chairwoman and CEO of Eagle Football | | Friendly match | Scheduled for 3:00 PM against Hamburg SV |
The relegation decision for Olympique Lyon to Ligue 2, initiated by the DNCG, has prompted an immediate appeal from the club, citing adequate cash flow and recent sporting successes, such as qualifying for European competitions. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the club retains its Ligue 1 license. Meanwhile, the financial instability of Olympique Lyon may affect its performance in upcoming matches, like the friendly against Hamburg SV.
