French football club Lyon has been handed a transfer ban and warned of potential relegation following a ruling by the financial watchdog, the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion DNCG, on Friday. The sanctions come as the club battles significant debt, including salary supervision measures, aimed at addressing their financial troubles.
Despite the threat of provisional relegation if their financial situation does not improve, Lyons American owner, John Textor, expressed confidence in the club's future. "I am not all worried," Textor told reporters, insisting that the club's financial health would stabilise.
The DNCG's ruling follows scrutiny of Textors Eagle Football Holdings, which is the main shareholder in Lyon, as well as Premier League club Crystal Palace and Brazilian team Botafogo. The conglomerate faces net debt of 463.8 million, despite a reduction in its losses.
Textor maintained that he wasn't concerned about the clubs long-term viability, stating that Lyon was set to generate significant revenue soon.
Textor sought to reassure Lyon supporters, dismissing the idea of a fire sale of star players. He stressed the clubs goal of securing Champions League qualification this season, highlighting that Lyon generates around 90 million annually from player sales.
