Lyon to Stay in Ligue 1 After Winning Financial Appeal

Lyon will continue to play in Ligue 1 next season after the French league’s financial watchdog reversed its earlier decision to relegate the club.

A few weeks ago, the DNCG (France’s financial body for football) said Lyon would be dropped to Ligue 2 because of financial problems and not meeting budget rules for top-tier clubs.

However, Lyon appealed the decision, and the DNCG’s appeals committee has now ruled in their favour. The club will stay in Ligue 1 but must follow strict rules on salaries and transfers to match the budget they submitted.

Lyon, one of France’s historic football clubs, is owned by John Textor. After the appeal was successful, the club shared its happiness in an official statement.

“Lyon welcomes the DNCG’s decision to keep the club in Ligue 1. We thank the Appeals Committee for recognising the ambition of the new management, who are working hard to manage the club’s finances properly,” the statement said.

The club also thanked its fans, staff, players, partners, and local leaders for their continued support through a difficult period.

“This decision is the first step in rebuilding trust in Lyon,” the club added. “We can now focus fully on our football goals and prepare for the new season.”