Olympique Lyon Saved! French Giants Cleared to Remain in Ligue 1
Olympique Lyonnais will continue to compete in Ligue 1 next season after the French football financial watchdog, the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), overturned its initial decision to relegate the club to Ligue 2 over financial concerns.
The seven-time French champions were facing demotion due to what was described as a critical financial situation. However, following an appeal hearing in Paris, the DNCG’s appellate committee ruled in favour of Lyon, allowing the club to maintain its top-flight status.
The reversal comes after a crucial meeting involving newly appointed club president Michelle Kang, who recently replaced John Textor, and CEO Michael Gerlinger. The club's leadership successfully presented their financial restructuring plan, convincing the DNCG of the club's viability moving forward.
Despite the positive outcome, Lyon isn’t completely out of the woods. The DNCG has imposed strict wage bill controls and transfer spending restrictions on the club for the upcoming season — a clear sign that financial discipline will be closely monitored in 2025.
