Lyon stave off relegation following successful appeal
Lyon avoided relegation to the second-tier Ligue 2 after submitting a financial blueprint to authorities. File photo: Reuters
Seven-time French champions Lyon have kept their Ligue 1 place after winning an appeal against relegation, the French Football Federation (FFF) said.
Last month, Lyon were relegated to the second-tier Ligue 2 by French football's financial watchdog, who had placed the club under budgetary restrictions in November.
American businesswoman Michele Kang then took over as club president from compatriot John Textor.
The FFF said Lyon would have to cut their wage bill and transfer budget for the upcoming campaign.
"Lyon would like to thank the appeal commission after it recognised the ambition of the new club management," the club said in a statement. "Today's decision constitutes the first step of re-establishing trust in Lyon."
Two weeks ago, Textor said he would take a step back from the day-to-day running of the club.
The second-largest shareholder at the club behind Textor, Kang was already president of the Lyon women's team.
"I'm actually very proud of what we have accomplished to reach this decision, and I can honestly say that we gave everything we have," said Kang.
"This was really a collective mission and a goal to save the club and continue its legacy. We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that we're going to leave this club a little better than the way we found it."
Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season to qualify for the Europa League and will be allowed to play in that competition after the successful appeal, but they had already agreed to pay Uefa a fine.
Textor took over as Lyon's majority owner in December 2022 from long-standing boss Jean-Michel Aulas, who had overseen unprecedented success at the French outfit.
Lyon won seven consecutive French titles between 2002 and 2008, under Aulas.
"Michele Kang has been able to provide, with courage, the guarantees needed to preserve the future of the club," Aulas said on social media.
"But the most difficult part is to come. A new period is under way, one of reconstruction."
Lyon have reduced their salary bill with attacker Alexandre Lacazette and goalkeeper Anthony Lopes released. They have sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Maxence Caqueret to Como. (AFP)
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