Way out for Lyon

Lyon still has a chance to compete in the Europa League in the 2025/26 season despite being relegated to Ligue 2 by the French Professional Football League (LFP).

Lyon's financial situation is in serious crisis, with the club owing more than 400 million euros.

According to France Football , the UEFA Financial Control Body (CFCB) is working with Lyon to find a solution for the French team. The CFCB has set certain financial requirements for Lyon, asking the club to meet if they want to compete in the Europa League in the 2025/26 season.

In the 2024/25 season, Lyon finishes 6th in Ligue 1, qualifying for the Europa League qualifying round. If UEFA grants Lyon a European Cup next season, Lyon will have a chance to salvage its financial difficulties.

Businessman John Textor, who owns 77% of Lyon, is racing against time to "rescue" the club. In an effort to improve Lyon's financial situation, Textor agreed to sell his 43% stake in Crystal Palace to Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets football team.

The deal needs Premier League approval, a process that typically takes around two months. If successful, the money from the deal could help Textor inject capital into Lyon, but time is running out to help the club reverse the sanctions.

However, Lyon still has the chance to play in the Europa League in 2025/26. In addition, Lyon still has the right to appeal the demotion to Ligue 2, but the process is often lengthy and does not guarantee success.

According to L'Équipe , the club plans to file an appeal within 10 days of the decision being announced, in the hope of overturning the ban before the start of the 2025/26 season.

Source: https://znews.vn/loi-thoat-cho-lyon-post1563949.html