Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 in one in all French soccer’s darkest days.
The seven-time French champions had been banished to the second division, regardless of ending sixth in Ligue 1 this season, after failing to persuade authorities they’ve resolved their monetary difficulties.
Managed by Paulo Fonseca, Lyon have knowledgeable the French footballing authorities they are going to attraction the choice, however one more twist might lie in await one workforce within the Premier League alongside the best way.
Why Lyon’s relegation to Ligue 2 might but impact one Premier League aspect
Lyon are owned by John Textor, who, up till earlier this week, additionally owned Crystal Palace. However after an announcement made on June 23, the 59-year-old declared he had bought his stake within the Eagles to New York Jets proprietor Woody Johnson.
Issues arose after each groups, Lyon and Palace, had certified for the Europa League subsequent season. UEFA guidelines stop golf equipment in multi-club possession fashions from enjoying in the identical European competitions, as we noticed with Manchester United and Good’s concern final yr following INEOS’ takeover.
Nevertheless, there might but be extra drama, with a verdict on whether or not Lyon meets monetary guidelines from the UEFA Membership Monetary Management Physique (CFCB) set to reach on Friday. This scheduled get-together might spell hassle for Crystal Palace and their Europa League desires, with the ultimate determination nonetheless unknown.
Textor advised L’Equipe final week he was assured Lyon’s monetary place had been resolved, having stated again in November there was “no probability” the membership can be relegated. That proved to be incorrect, with Lyon slapped with the sanction and a subsequent relegation.
After receiving the provisional relegation in 2024, Lyon bought Stated Benrahma, Anthony Lopes and Maxence Caqueret in January, and this summer time they’ve already bought Rayan Cherki to Manchester Metropolis.
Malick Fofana can be attracting curiosity, with Chelsea stated to have enquired, after {the teenager} impressed throughout Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final second-leg conflict with Manchester United at Outdated Trafford.
The relegation, if upheld, can be excellent news for Palace, given it might subsequently verify their place within the Europa League for subsequent season. The Premier League additionally nonetheless must ratify and ensure Johnson’s sale to Textor.
In FourFourTwo‘s view, Textor has made an entire mess of this case, and if Lyon’s relegation is formally confirmed, hell will possible break unfastened, given how passionately French soccer followers really feel about their membership. When you’ve got an affiliation with Palace, nonetheless, you’re greater than possible rubbing your palms collectively at this level.
