‘Incomprehensible decision’ – Lyon confirm they will appeal their Ligue 2 relegation

Lyon’s Ligue 2 relegation has been confirmed today following a crunch meeting with DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion, French football’s financial watchdog. DNCG handed Les Gones a provisional Ligue 2 relegation last November on the basis that, if their financial situation didn’t improve, they would be relegated to the French second tier.  On Tuesday, DNCG opted not to overturn their initial call due to Eagle Football’s rising debt.

As previously reported by Get French Football News, Lyon have confirmed that they will appeal a decision they label as “incomprehensible.” Indeed, Les Gones add in their press release that they have satisfied the DNCG’s requirements “with equity investments in excess of the amounts requested.” Lyon, who have qualified for the Europa League courtesy of their sixth-place finish in Ligue 1, believe they have more than sufficient resources for the next season, “thanks to equity contributions from our shareholders and the sale of Crystal Palace.”

Lyon write that they “sincerely fail to understand” how an administrative decision could hand a club of this size an administrative demotion, quoting their performance, which earned them consecutive qualifications for European football. “We will appeal to demonstrate our ability to provide the necessary resources in terms of cash flow to guarantee OL’s place in L1.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval