Source: REUTERS/DANIEL COLE
[Saba Sports News] According to French media, Lyon was demoted to Ligue 2 because of financial violations. Based on an examination of the status of professional clubs for the 2025-2026 season, the Professional Club Supervisory Committee made the following decision under Article 11 of the DNCG regulations: Lyon FC will be relegated to the French Ligue 2. Lyon has seven days to appeal, which could give owner John Textor and the club several weeks to meet the financial guarantees required by the authorities. Last winter, Lyon had already been subjected to a “preventive relegation” due to a debt of 175 million euros. Since then, John Textor and his group have raised significant funds by selling several players. The businessman also recently announced that he would sell his shares in Crystal Palace. However, the funds may not have arrived yet. Lyon’s official website stated that the club is confused by the DNCG’s decision and confirmed it will appeal immediately. Over the past few months, we have closely cooperated with the DNCG, met all their requirements, and even invested more than the required amount. Through shareholder capital increases and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash flow has significantly improved, and we have sufficient resources to cope with the 2025/26 season.