Sports news is currently dominated by financial considerations, to the point that the role of players often seems relegated to the background. However, the situation of the teams remains intrinsically linked to behind-the-scenes decisions, making it difficult to take a detached approach to these issues. The future of Olympique Lyonnais (OL) will be decided on Thursday at the hearing of the Appeal Board of the DNACG, with a crucial decision regarding its retention in Ligue 1 or its relegation to Ligue 2 for the 2025-2026 season. The entire community of Lyon strongly hopes for the confirmation of the first option, conditional on the satisfaction of economic requirements.

In this context of high tension, Paulo Fonseca is actively preparing for the coming deadlines. His program will be intense, including friendly matches and intensive internships for the first Ligue 1 match against RC Lens. This move to the north will have a symbolic dimension if OL manages to remain in the first division, because they will oppose Fonseca to Pierre Sage, his predecessor. Nevertheless, the interview between the two coaches will be limited, as Fonseca is still suspended following his incident with Benoît Millot, which resulted in a nine-month suspension.

Despite this suspension, Paulo Fonseca is gradually approaching a return to business. He was forbidden access to the changing rooms until 15 September 2025, which means that he will have to wait four more matches: against Lens and Rennes outside, as well as against Metz and Olympique de Marseille at home. Fonseca will gradually resume its coaching role from the fifth day of Ligue 1, with Angers coming to Decines on 21 September. However, this recovery is conditional on OL remaining in the first division and lifting its suspension.