Lyon Relegated, Faces Transfer Ban: Report
Olympique Lyonnais has been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 and hit with a transfer ban due to its ongoing financial troubles, according to leading football journalist Fabrizio Romano. This development follows intense scrutiny from France’s financial watchdog, the DNCG.
Just days ago, L’Équipe reported that Lyon had appeared before the DNCG to address concerns about its finances. The club reportedly sought to reassure the regulatory body by pointing to potential revenue from player sales and the divestment of a 45% stake in Crystal Palace by Eagle Group, Lyon’s co-owner.
However, experts like Vincent Chaudel, Director of the Sports Business Observatory, have cast doubt on the club’s ability to secure sufficient funds through player sales, particularly under financial duress. “When everyone knows you have to sell, it’s rarely the time to make the best deals,” he remarked.
Reports also suggest that the sale of high-profile players such as Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana may not be enough to satisfy the DNCG. If Lyon fails to meet financial requirements, sanctions could escalate beyond the current provisional measures.
For now, the Ligue 1 giant faces an uncertain future, grappling with the consequences of its economic woes as it fights to overturn the relegation and ban.
