Lyon included in Ligue 1 aircraft despite the demotion of Ligue 2, and receive authorization from the Europa League
Lyon was included in the list of elements of the Ligue 1 2025-26 season despite their demotion to Ligue 2, while they were also allowed to play in the Europa League.
The seven French champions finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, winning a place in the Europa League, a competition in which they reached the quarter-finals in 2024-25.
But they were relegated to the second level this week after having failed to convince the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) – the organization which oversees the financial well -being of clubs in France – that their situation had improved following their provisional downside in November.
This led to fans calls for the owner John Textor to sell the club, while Lyon took action to appeal the decision.
As such, Lyon was listed on Friday as in the next Ligue 1 season, with their first scheduled match against the goal that takes place on the weekend of August 16 to 17.
In addition, the club confirmed in a press release that he had concluded an agreement with the financial control organization of the UEFA club to participate in the Europa League, subject to the appeal against the DNCG decision in their favor.
He read: “Olympique Lyonnais finished the financial sustainability procedure and signed an agreement with the financial control organization of the UEFA club.
“The club could therefore participate in the Europa League for next season, subject to a favorable result of the DNCG decision.
“OL would like to thank UEFA representatives who helped him in this process.”
Textor’s Eagle Football Group, which has a 77% stake in Lyon, announced that it had debts of 422 million pounds Sterling last October.
A club declaration responding to their demotion was seen: “Olympique Lyonnais recognizes the incomprehensible decision rendered by the DNCG and confirms that it will immediately appeal.
“In the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all of its requests with investments in cash stocks exceeding the amounts requested. Thanks to the contributions to the actions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash position has improved considerably and we have more than sufficient resources for the 2025-26 season.
“With so much cash in demonstrated cash and a sporting success that has won European competition in two consecutive years, we sincerely understand how an administrative decision could relegate such a major French club.
“Thanks to our call, we will establish our substantial cash resources if necessary so that Olympique Lyonnais maintains its place in Ligue 1.”
The Eagle Football Group also holds the majority participation in the Brazilian club Botafogo and has agreed to sell its shares in Crystal Palace in New York Jets Woody Johnson, an agreement awaiting ratification of the Premier League.
Textor made the decision to sell Palace because the club was likely to be tried to violate UEFA rules on the multi-club property, which could have caused the London club to the Europa League, a competition for which they qualified the FA Cup.
