A outstanding Lyon followers group has demanded proprietor John Textor promote the stricken membership following their demotion to Ligue 2.
The seven-time French champions’ destiny was confirmed final evening after they didn’t persuade the The Nationwide Directorate of Administration Management (DNCG) – the physique that oversees the monetary well-being of golf equipment in France – that their state of affairs had improved following their provisional sanction in November.
The membership’s supporters have reacted with shock and anger and referred to as on Textor, who owns a 77 per cent stake in Lyon by way of his Eagle Soccer Group, to promote up.
Textor out
The Dangerous Gones hung banners throughout town this morning and in addition issued a press release that learn: “The top of the season was tough for the membership but additionally for our relationship. We predict that we wrestle to know one another, to know the place the membership goes, what your imaginative and prescient of it’s, and we expect that you just, like us, have created a standard mistrust.
“John has by no means been and by no means would be the man for the state of affairs. This Botafogo supporter ought to now go away the Lyon panorama. We name on the quite a few collectors to take again management and provides the keys again to somebody who will have the ability to respect the establishment.”
Le peuple lyonnais se soulève…
UN SEUL MOT D’ORDRE: #TEXTORDEHORS pic.twitter.com/H9iFvxeo6K
— Dangerous Gones 1987 – Officiel (@BG1987Officiel) June 25, 2025
The Eagle Soccer Group additionally holds the bulk stake in Brazilian membership Botafogo and agreed to promote their shares in Crystal Palace to New York Jets Woody Johnson on Monday, though that deal is awaiting ratification from the Premier League.
Textor had hoped to have satisfied the DNCG that Lyon’s state of affairs had improved having bought Rayan Cherki to Manchester Metropolis for £34m and launched excessive earners Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Lopes.
He met with the DNCG on Tuesday and, talking earlier than the choice was introduced, expressed confidence that Lyon would stay within the prime flight.
He mentioned: “You may see from the contributions of our shareholders, we’ve invested new capital, not just for the DNCG, but additionally for our UEFA licensing course of. To not point out the excellent news of the sale of Crystal Palace. Our liquidity state of affairs has improved significantly.”
Lyon to attraction the choice
Lyon have already introduced they may attraction.
Their assertion learn: “Olympique Lyonnais takes notice of the incomprehensible determination made by the DNCG and confirms that it’ll instantly attraction.
“Over the previous few months, we’ve labored intently with the DNCG, satisfying all its requests with capital investments in extra of the quantities requested. Due to the fairness contributions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our money move has improved considerably and we’ve greater than sufficient assets for the 2025/26 season.
“With demonstrated funds and a sporting success that earned us a spot in European competitors two years in a row, we sincerely don’t perceive how an administrative determination may relegate such an important French membership.”
