Lyon Fighting to Maintain Ligue 1 Status Before DNCG

Olympique Lyon is undergoing an appeal hearing before the DNCG committee — French football’s financial regulatory body — to maintain their position in Ligue 1.

The club’s future is closely tied to Crystal Palace, who recently won the FA Cup and hopes to appear in the Europa League for the first time. If Lyon manages to retain their Ligue 1 position, they will likely keep their European slot — meaning Palace risks losing this opportunity.

Lyon’s main issue is a €541 million debt and inflated wage bill. To return to Ligue 1, the club needs a €100 million cash injection and an additional €100 million guarantee for the next two years.

Leadership changes have occurred where John Textor stepped down from the board, replaced by Michele Kang — a shareholder in Eagle Football Group. Textor, who also holds shares in Crystal Palace, is in the process of selling to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

If the appeal is rejected, Lyon still has opportunities to appeal to the French Olympic Committee and court. Meanwhile, the first team squad of 26 players has begun preseason training.