Lyon has officially avoided being relegated to Ligue 2 after initial decision to lower the club from Ligue 1.
After successfully calling for French football’s financial regulator, Lyon avoided relegation to Ligue 2, which initially relegated the club’s financial violations.
The decision came after American businesswoman Michele Kang officially replaced John Textor as club chairman.
French financial regulator Nationale du Contrôle DeGestion (DNCG) put Lyon on budget in November 2024. In June 2025, the agency ruled that the club would be downgraded due to concerns about its financial stability.
However, the Appeals Board has now reversed the decision, allowing Lyon to stay in Ligue 1.
In response, the French Football Federation (FFF) asked Lyon to significantly lower its wage bill and transfer the upcoming season.
“Lyon, after realizing the ambitions of the club’s new management, would like to thank the Appeal Board,” The club said in an official statement. “Today’s decision constitutes the first step to rebuilding trust in Lyon. ”
Despite the wild turmoil, Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and gained a spot in the European Union in 2024-25. After a successful appeal, the team will be allowed to compete, although the club had previously agreed to pay a fine to the European Union.
