Dark times are coming in Lyon. © APA/afp / REMY GABALDA

Forced relegation! Former champions Olympique Lyon punished

Debt-ridden former French champions Olympique Lyon are forced into relegation. Now they're relegated to the second division instead of the European Cup.

June 24, 2025

From: apa

Following a ruling by the French Football Financial Supervisory Authority (DNCG), the traditional club must relocate to Ligue 2. American owner John Textor tried in vain at a hearing on Tuesday to convince the responsible authority to lift the measures imposed against the seven-time champions in November.

These include forced relegation due to debts amounting to €175 million. Lyon can appeal the DNCG's decision. Lyon finished last season in sixth place in Ligue 1, which would qualify them for Europa League participation.