L’Olympique Lyonnais was today at a critical moment in its existence, before the Appeal Board of the DNACG in an attempt to cancel its administrative demotion in Ligue 2. After initially demoted on 24 June, the club is under enormous financial pressure, having to raise more than 200 million euros to keep its place in League 1. The situation is alarming, because the requirements of the DNACG are strict: an immediate payment of EUR 100 million to correct the cash flow and additional guarantees of EUR 100 million to ensure the functioning of the club in the coming season. Promises and letters of intent will no longer be sufficient, as DNACG requires concrete evidence of funds and irrevocable guarantees.

Faced with this crisis, the new OL leadership, led by Michele Kang and supported by Michael Gerlinger, took over the case. They presented a more robust plan than previously proposed, which consisted mainly of letters of intent and a €70 million private investment project based on shares of future revenues. These proposals were considered insufficient by the DNACG, as was the plan for massive player sales to raise EUR 100 million, to the detriment of team composition. No player has left the club yet, and the new management must now provide firm commitments, bank transfers and a credible bank guarantee.

In a favorable turn, the DNACG Appeal Board finally confirmed the original decision and decided to keep Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1. The club expressed its gratitude for this decision, stressing the ambition of the new management and its commitment to ensuring serious management in the future. The new management also thanks the support received from its shareholders, lenders, supporters, collaborators, players, partners and elected officials. This decision is seen as a crucial first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais, allowing the club to focus on its sporting goals and prepare fully for next season.