Olympique Lyonnais, facing major economic difficulties, has been sanctioned by the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion) with a descent into Ligue 2 (and its terrible consequences for the club). OL, which has undergone a change of ownership with Michele Kang taking over from John Textor, who already held this role at OL Lyonnes, has lodged an appeal. This Wednesday, after a further meeting, the decision fell.
Lyon will therefore finally stay in Ligue 1, which is already a great victory when the situation was critical. The sanctions (a wage bill limit and transfer compensation. ) will complicate the mercato and the season a little, but it’s much better than going down. Especially as the move to Ligue 2 would have added to the difficulties that could have led to an even more terrible fall.
OL is hanging on, and now we’re going to have to work hard to get back on track financially. At least there’s still some ground to stand on, with a squad that’s far from uninteresting and qualification for the Europa League. Ligue 1 is avoiding an awkward moment, with an important club that would have been at least very much on the back foot. This is no mean feat in a battle for TV rights.
