French giants Lyon have confirmed they will appeal against the “incomprehensible” decision to relegate them to Ligue 2 after failing to convince authorities they have resolved their financial difficulties.
The seven-time French champions were hit with a provisional relegation back in November after racking up massive debts, and although they have since sold a number of first-team players, French football watchdog the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) upheld the relegation following meetings on Tuesday.
Lyon are owned by John Textor, and the decision to relegate them comes a day after the American businessman sold his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
It is currently unknown what impact Lyon’s relegation and Johnson’s purchase of Textor’s shares in Palace will have on both clubs’ Europa League places. Crystal Palace’s participation is currently in danger because UEFA rules prevent clubs in multi-club ownership models from playing in the same European competitions.
A verdict on whether Lyon meet financial rules from the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is still pending and the Premier League and WSL still need to approve Johnson’s sale to Textor.
Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, said in a statement: “Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible decision handed down by the DNCG this evening and confirms that it will immediately appeal.
