UEFA gives verdict on Lyon’s Europa League spot following Ligue 2 relegation

Lyon have been allowed by UEFA to feature in next season’s Europa League campaign, despite the DNCG’s ruling to demote them in Ligue 2. On Tuesday, the financial regulator in French football have opted not to overturn the provisional Ligue 2 relegation they had handed to Lyon given Eagle Football’s rising debt.

Despite their relegation to the second tier, which they plan to appeal, Lyon’s spot in the Europa League was reportedly under threat, despite their sixth-place finish in Ligue 1 and the fact the French FA had issued them a UEFA licence.

According to Foot Mercato, UEFA has directly confirmed to Lyon their participation in the 2025-2026 Europa League. The outlet adds that Eagle Football chiefs John Textor and Michael Gerlinger have personally conducted financial presentations to provide guarantees and reassurances to UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body.

Textor has reportedly promised a €35 million investment through guaranteed funds. Foot Mercato understands that the UEFA’s green light highlights the gap in interpretation between the DNCG and the European bodies regarding Lyon’s finances.

It remains to be seen whether Lyon’s Europa League spot would compromise Crystal Palace’s chances to feature in the same competition, with the two clubs having the same shareholder in Textor’s Eagle Football, as long as the Premier League has not ratified the sale of Textor’s 45 % share in the Eagles.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval