Thanks to the club’s integration into the provisional calendar, Olympique Lyonnais is now sure to start the championship season against RC Lens on the first day, on the weekend of August 16 and 17. This trip to the North also marks the return of Pierre Sage, new coach of RC Lens, succeeding Will Still. The full schedule, including home matches against Marseilles (probably August 31) and Paris Saint-Germain (probably November 9), is confirmed. In addition, subscriptions, initially frozen by management, are expected to be activated soon. Michael Gerlingers, Director General of OL, apologized to the supporters for the time and energy he devoted to the legal battle before the DNACG.

The confirmation of OL’s participation in Ligue 1 for the 2025-2026 season is a major relief for fans. The management of Olympique Lyonnais, composed of Michele Kanget and Michael Gerlinger, managed to meet the requirements of the DNACG during the appeal commission on 9 July. This news is welcomed with joy by Jean-Michel Aulas, former president of the club. He expresses his immense happiness for OL and its supporters, stressing the importance of this community and the relief felt after the announcement of this decision. Aulas personally contributed to this success by mobilizing the club’s former collaborators and highlighting its assets.

Aulas also pays tribute to Michele Kanget, whom he describes as the only person able to bring the necessary operational credit. He highlights his strength, character and commitment to the Lyon ecosystem, including his work with women’s clubs such as the Washington Spirit. He is convinced that she will continue to do an excellent job for OL. The Rhodian team will return to the field on Sunday, August 17, 2025 with a match in Lens, against a team led by Pierre Sage. Friendly meetings are planned before this resumption.