Lyon, who gained the French title for seven successive seasons from 2001-02 to 2007-08, have been handed a provisional relegation to Ligue 2, the second division of French soccer, and can observe a switch ban following an audit of their funds.
The Path Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG, the physique accountable for overseeing the funds of French soccer golf equipment) has knowledgeable the membership that they have to satisfactorily enhance their monetary scenario earlier than the top of the season or be forcibly demoted from Ligue 1.
Lyon not too long ago introduced money owed of £422 million and have now been banned from signing gamers, in response to L’Equipe and Get French Soccer Information.
Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor majority owns Lyon by way of Eagle Soccer Holdings. He insisted a gathering with France’s Nationwide Directorate of Management and Administration ‘went effectively’, however the watchdog appears to have disagreed.
French journalist Romain Molina has additionally claimed that ‘all Lyon gamers are on sale’ in a bid to scale back the membership’s money owed. They’ve reportedly additionally misplaced management of their payroll.
It will mark one other hammer blow for the sport in France after Bordeaux had been demoted to the fourth tier on account of chapter this summer time.
Many former Premier League stars name Lyon dwelling. Their squad boasts Wilfried Zaha, Alexandre Lacazette, Nemanja Matic, Stated Benrahma, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Jordan Veretout.
Lyon at present sit fifth in Ligue 1, managed by relative newcomer Pierre Sage. In addition they play within the Europa League this season.