Seven-time French champions Lyon will remain in Ligue 1 next season after successfully appealing their relegation, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Wednesday.
The club was initially demoted to Ligue 2 last month by French football’s financial watchdog due to ongoing budgetary restrictions imposed in November. However, the decision has now been overturned, allowing Lyon to maintain their top-flight status.
The reversal comes amid major leadership changes at the club. American businesswoman Michele Kang recently replaced John Textor as club president, marking a new chapter for Lyon. Kang, already serving as president of the club’s women’s team, is now the second-largest shareholder behind Textor.
In a statement, Lyon expressed gratitude to the appeals commission, saying the decision “recognised the ambition of the new management.” The club added, “Today’s decision constitutes the first step in re-establishing trust in Lyon.”
As part of the agreement with the FFF, Lyon will be required to significantly reduce their wage bill and transfer spending for the upcoming season. The club has already taken steps to comply—striker Alexandre Lacazette and goalkeeper Anthony Lopes have accepted reduced terms, while key players Rayan Cherki and Maxence Caqueret have been transferred to Manchester City and Italian side Como, respectively.
John Textor, who became Lyon’s majority owner in December 2022 following the departure of long-time president Jean-Michel Aulas, has also stepped back from daily operations. Textor, who holds ownership stakes in Botafogo (Brazil) and Molenbeek (Belgium), recently sold his 43% stake in Crystal Palace to help balance the books. His Eagle group has injected €83 million into Lyon to stabilise finances.
Despite the financial hurdles, Lyon managed to finish sixth in Ligue 1 last season, securing a Europa League spot for the upcoming campaign. Though the club has agreed to pay a fine to UEFA, they will be allowed to compete in the tournament.
Lyon, who won seven straight Ligue 1 titles from 2002 to 2008, remain one of France’s most decorated football clubs—trailing only five teams in the all-time title tally, with Paris Saint-Germain leading the list at 13.
The team kicked off its pre-season preparations on Monday and will begin the new Ligue 1 season with an away fixture against Lens on the weekend of August 15–17.
