Following the administrative demotion of Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 2 by the DNCG, the team and its supporters were initially deeply discouraged. However, the announcement of John Textoor’s departure and the arrival of Michele Kang revived hope. In the face of the demands of French football authorities to ensure that the club is maintained in Ligue 1, OL must convince the DNCG’s appeal commission by 10 July. This commission requires a financial contribution of EUR 100 million, or EUR 200 million in one week, to ensure the club’s sustainability. Social networks are flooded with failing messages, and many fear the end of the club in the upper divisions of French and European football.

OL is now in a race against time to reverse this trend. After challenging the demotion decision, the club must present a solid case to the DNCG Appeal Board, a body attached to the Federation and thus with a different vision than the DNCG. Michele Kang, Michael Gerlinger and their teams are working hard to meet financial requirements and demonstrate the club’s ability to maintain its level of play. OL will not be required to present the same documents as those already submitted to the DNCG, but may provide additional information to reassure the Commission.

Jean-Michel Aulas, former President of OL, has shown solidarity and determination to help the club overcome this crisis. He stressed the importance of financial support and the search for all possible solutions to ensure the sustainability of OL. He met with Michele Kang and other people who are familiar with the case, and seems optimistic about the possibility of finding a favourable outcome. The DNCG Appeal Board has the power to confirm or cancel the demotion, and even impose more severe sanctions. The outcome of this procedure is therefore uncertain, but hope is reborn for the future of Olympique Lyonnais.

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