Lyon win appeal to stay in Ligue 1 as Michele Kang ushers in new era

Seven-time French champions Lyon have preserved their Ligue 1 status after winning an appeal against relegation, the French Football Federation announced on Wednesday.

Last month, French football’s financial watchdog demoted Lyon to Ligue 2 due to budgetary concerns, placing the club under financial restrictions. The ruling came amid ownership changes, as American businesswoman Michele Kang replaced compatriot John Textor as president.

“Lyon would like to thank the appeal commission after it recognised the ambition of the new club management,” the club said. “Today’s decision constitutes the first step of re-establishing trust in Lyon.”

Lyon will be required to cut their wage bill and transfer spending. They have already moved to ease financial strain by releasing Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Lopes and selling Rayan Cherki and Maxence Caqueret.

Jean-Michel Aulas, the club’s long-serving former president, praised Kang’s intervention: “Michele Kang has been able to provide, with courage, the guarantees needed to preserve the future of the club. But the most difficult part is to come.”

Lyon finished sixth last season, qualifying for the Europa League, and will retain their European place after the successful appeal. They open their Ligue 1 campaign at Lens in mid-August.

(Source: AFP)