Lyon included in Ligue 1 fixtures despite demotion to Ligue 2, and receive Europa League clearance

[ad_1] Lyon have been included within the fixture listing for the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season regardless of their demotion to Ligue 2, whereas they've additionally been cleared to play within the Europa League.

The seven-time French champions completed sixth in Ligue 1 final season, incomes a spot within the Europa League, a contest during which they reached the quarter-finals in 2024-25.

However they have been relegated to the second tier this week after failing to persuade The Nationwide Directorate of Administration Management (DNCG) – the physique that oversees the monetary well-being of golf equipment in France – that their state of affairs had improved following their provisional demotion in November.

That has led to calls from followers for proprietor John Textor to promote the membership, whereas Lyon have taken steps to attraction the choice.

As such, Lyon have been listed on Friday as that includes within the subsequent Ligue 1 season, with their scheduled opener in opposition to Lens going down on the weekend of August 16-17.

Moreover, the membership confirmed in a press release that it reached an settlement with UEFA’s Membership Monetary Management Physique to compete within the Europa League, topic to the attraction in opposition to the DNCG choice going of their favour.

It learn: “Olympique Lyonnais accomplished the monetary sustainability process and signed an settlement with the UEFA Membership Monetary Management Physique.

“The membership might subsequently take part in subsequent season’s Europa League, topic to a good final result of the attraction of the DNCG choice.

“OL wish to thank the UEFA representatives who assisted it on this course of.”

Textor’s Eagle Soccer Group, which owns a 77% stake in Lyon, introduced it had money owed of £422m final October.

A membership assertion responding to their demotion learn: “Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the incomprehensible choice rendered by the DNCG and confirms that it's going to instantly file an attraction.

“In latest months, we've labored carefully with the DNCG, satisfying all of its requests with money fairness investments exceeding the quantities requested. Due to the fairness contributions of our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace, our money place has improved considerably, and we've greater than adequate sources for the 2025-26 season.

“With a lot money liquidity demonstrated, and sporting success which has earned European competitors in two consecutive years, we sincerely don't perceive how one administrative choice might relegate such an ideal French membership.

“By our attraction, we'll set up our substantial money sources as essential for Olympique Lyonnais to maintain its place in Ligue 1.”

The Eagle Soccer Group additionally holds the bulk stake in Brazilian membership Botafogo and agreed to promote their shares in Crystal Palace to New York Jets Woody Johnson, a deal awaiting ratification from the Premier League.

Textor made the choice to promote Palace because the membership was vulnerable to being deemed in breach of UEFA’s guidelines on multi-club possession, which might have resulted within the London membership being kicked out of the Europa League, a contest for which they certified after profitable the FA Cup.