Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon have announced they will appeal a decision by French football’s financial watchdog (DNCG) to relegate them to the second division.
The appeal follows a hearing on Tuesday where Lyon failed to convince the DNCG to lift financial restrictions imposed on the club last November.
In a statement, the club said: “Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, meeting all of its demands with equity investments exceeding the amounts requested.”
Despite the setback, club president John Textor expressed confidence in overturning the ruling, stating, “Our liquidity situation has improved considerably.” Lyon have not played in Ligue 2 since 1989.
Textor, who became Lyon’s majority owner in December 2022 after taking over from long-time president Jean-Michel Aulas, also owns stakes in Brazilian side Botafogo and Belgian club Molenbeek. Earlier this week, he sold his 43 percent share in Premier League club Crystal Palace.
