### Olympique Lyon's Relegation: A Historic Fall from Grace Olympique Lyon, a club with a storied history as seven-time champions of Ligue 1, has been relegated to Ligue 2 due to significant financial irregularities. The decision follows a financial audit conducted by the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog, which revealed that the club had failed to meet financial standards despite attempts to reduce its debt. Lyon's ownership under John Textor has been marred by financial struggles, with debts exceeding €422 million. The club plans to appeal the decision, citing improved financial conditions and recent player sales as evidence of their recovery efforts [https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/olympique-lyon-relegated-ligue-1-financial-audit-dncg-2745752-2025-06-25][https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/lyon-out-of-ligue-1-financial-woes-send-7-time-champions-to-second-tier-125062500733_1.html]. ### Breakdown of the Relegation Situation 1. **Financial Audit Findings**: The DNCG's audit revealed that Lyon had not sufficiently addressed its financial issues, leading to the relegation decision. 2. **Ownership and Debt**: John Textor's Eagle Football Group, which owns Lyon, is reported to have debts of over €422 million, contributing to the club's financial instability [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/lyon-relegated-ligue2-france-football-35446851]. 3. **Recent Player Sales**: Despite selling key players like Maxence Caqueret and Rayan Cherki, Lyon's financial situation remained precarious, failing to meet the DNCG's requirements [https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-textor-sees-lyon-suffer-31929170]. 4. **Appeal Process**: Lyon has announced plans to appeal the relegation, arguing that their financial situation has improved and that the decision is "incomprehensible" [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11806/13388136/lyon-relegated-to-ligue-2-but-french-club-can-appeal-against-the-decision]. ### Supporting Evidence of Financial Struggles - **Debt Levels**: Lyon's debts are reported to be around **€422 million**, a significant factor in their relegation [https://www.business-standard.com/sports/football-news/lyon-out-of-ligue-1-financial-woes-send-7-time-champions-to-second-tier-125062500733_1.html]. - **Player Sales**: The club has attempted to alleviate its financial burden through player sales, including notable transfers, but these efforts have not sufficed to meet the DNCG's standards [https://www.tuko.co.ke/sports/football/593978-olympique-lyon-7-time-french-champions-relegated-ligue-2]. - **Historical Context**: Lyon's relegation marks a significant decline for a club that dominated French football in the 2000s, winning seven consecutive titles [https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/24/lyon-relegated-to-ligue-2-over-financial-problems]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Olympique Lyon In summary, **Olympique Lyon's relegation to Ligue 2 is a stark reminder of the financial challenges facing even the most storied clubs**. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Financial Mismanagement**: Lyon's failure to resolve its financial issues led to the DNCG's decision to relegate the club. 2. **Ownership Challenges**: John Textor's ownership has been characterized by significant debt, complicating the club's financial recovery. 3. **Appeal for Reinstatement**: Lyon's management is preparing to appeal the relegation, arguing for a reconsideration based on improved financial conditions. This situation not only impacts Lyon's immediate future but also raises questions about the sustainability of financial practices in football [https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/sports/soccer/lyon-relegated-to-french-soccers-second-tier-amid-ongoing-financial-problems/article_4db8dc0a-6087-508d-9098-fa95703a3b4a.html].