A prominent Lyon fans group has demanded owner John Textor sell the stricken club following their demotion to Ligue 2.
The seven-time French champions’ fate was confirmed last night after they failed to convince the The National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) – the body that oversees the financial well-being of clubs in France – that their situation had improved following their provisional sanction in November.
The club’s supporters have reacted with shock and anger and called on Textor, who owns a 77 per cent stake in Lyon via his Eagle Football Group, to sell up.
Textor out
The Bad Gones hung banners across the city this morning and also issued a statement that read: “The end of the season was difficult for the club but also for our relationship. We think that we struggle to understand each other, to understand where the club is going, what your vision of it is, and we think that you, like us, have created a common distrust.
“John has never been and never will be the man for the situation. This Botafogo supporter should now leave the Lyon landscape. We call on the numerous creditors to take back control and give the keys back to someone who will be able to respect the institution.”
Le peuple lyonnais se soulève…
UN SEUL MOT D’ORDRE: #TEXTORDEHORS pic.twitter.com/H9iFvxeo6K
— Bad Gones 1987 – Officiel (@BG1987Officiel) June 25, 2025
The Eagle Football Group also holds the majority stake in Brazilian club Botafogo and agreed to sell their shares in Crystal Palace to New York Jets Woody Johnson on Monday, although that deal is awaiting ratification from the Premier League.
Textor had hoped to have convinced the DNCG that Lyon’s situation had improved having sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City for £34m and released high earners Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Lopes.
He met with the DNCG on Tuesday and, speaking before the decision was announced, expressed confidence that Lyon would remain in the top flight.
He said: “You can see from the contributions of our shareholders, we have invested new capital, not only for the DNCG, but also for our UEFA licensing process. Not to mention the good news of the sale of Crystal Palace. Our liquidity situation has improved considerably.”
Lyon to appeal the decision
Lyon have already announced they will appeal.
Their statement read: “Olympique Lyonnais takes note of the incomprehensible decision made by the DNCG and confirms that it will immediately appeal.
“Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, satisfying all its requests with capital investments in excess of the amounts requested. Thanks to the equity contributions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our cash flow has improved significantly and we have more than enough resources for the 2025/26 season.
“With demonstrated funds and a sporting success that earned us a place in European competition two years in a row, we sincerely do not understand how an administrative decision could relegate such a great French club.”
