For several years, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) has been facing major financial difficulties, where economic considerations seem to take precedence over sporting ambitions. OL’s recent participation in the Europa League is conditional on a strict financial agreement with UEFA, which requires rigorous supervision of the club’s financial health. This agreement, confirmed by UEFA on 26 June 2025, provides for a potential fine of up to EUR 50 million for failure to meet the financial targets set over a four-year period, covering the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons.

The settlement agreement with UEFA provides for ever-declining football deficit targets. For the 2025/26 season, the club must limit its deficit to that set out in its business plan (“Objective 2025”). This limit is then reduced to EUR 5 million for the 2026/27 season and to EUR 0 million for the 2027/28 season (“Objective 2027”). For the 2028/29 season, OL must guarantee financial stability, either by a surplus or by an overall deficit in football income within the limits acceptable for the reporting periods concerned.

The total fine of EUR 50 million is structured in two parts. An unconditional amount of EUR 12.5 million is set, supplemented by a conditional fine of up to EUR 37.5 million if the club exceeds the financial targets set for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 seasons. If these objectives are exceeded, the conditional fine shall be calculated in proportion to the surplus. Failure to comply with this agreement, due to circumstances such as lack of funds or relegation, could result in the cancellation of the regulation and the exclusion of OL from the next UEFA interclub competition.