The Arbitral Court of Sport (TAS) recently dismissed Crystal Palace’s appeal concerning UEFA’s decision to demote them to the Conference League (C4). This decision, motivated by the Olympic Lyons’ standings in the 2024-2025 season, was perceived by Crystal Palace as an injustice. The English club expressed its disappointment and sense of being deprived of a sporting opportunity, emphasizing a lack of sporting merit in the decision and a privilege granted to certain clubs. This situation is particularly strongly criticized because of the demotion of Nottingham Forest, a club unrelated to others, which was awarded a place in the Europa League (C3). Crystal Palace is now resisting a smaller European competition.

At the same time, Olympique Lyonnais is actively pursuing summer recruitment. Adam Karabec, 22-year-old offensive youth, spent his medical visit with the club and should be loaned with option of purchase. This recruit is seen as a reinforcement for the offensive sector, and Paulo Fonseca could integrate it from the beginning of the Ligue 1 season. OL is also negotiating a purchase option with the €3.5 million Sparta Prague to ensure the player’s tenure. This is part of a strategy to strengthen the workforce.

Finally, Olympique Lyonnais aims to free several players considered undesirable in order to give their chance to young talents from the training centre. Players like Paul Akouokou, Nemanja Matic and Mahamadou Diawara are looking for new clubs, and their departure is not considered a priority unless market opportunities arise. The main objective is to create spaces for young players like Khalys Merah and Mathys De Carvalho, allowing them to gain experience as a first team.