France: Olympique Lyon condemned to relegation

France's former champions, Olympique Lyon, have been forced to relegate from the French top flight due to their financial situation. Lyon had qualified for the European Cup by finishing sixth. However, following a hearing on Tuesday, the French football financial regulator, the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), confirmed the decision against remaining in Ligue 1.

OL is owned by American John Textor. Through his holding company, Eagle Football, he also holds shares in other professional clubs. However, one day before Lyon's major setback, Crystal Palace of the English Premier League announced that Robert Wood Johnson of the USA had signed a binding contract to purchase Eagle Football's shares in Palace.

In France, the DNCG had already imposed a suspended relegation sentence on Lyon, which had won the national title seven times in a row since 2002, in November of last year. At the time, the club's debts amounted to approximately 500 million euros.

Textor was also unable to convince the inspectors at the hearing. However, Lyon will appeal the decision, as the club confirmed in a statement that evening. It is incomprehensible "how an administrative decision can relegate such a large French club." Olympique Lyon wrote that they have demonstrated sufficient capital and sporting success.

If Lyon were to be forced to relegate, Stade Reims would benefit. The team lost to FC Metz in the relegation play-off.