In a recent interview with the regional newspaper Le Progrès, Jean-Michel Aulas, former OL president, dispelled concerns about a possible breach of contract between the club and Groupama, confirming that the name of the stadium would not change. Despite a gradual refocusing of financial difficulties, Aulas highlights the scope of the work to be undertaken to ensure the stability and sports ambitions of OL. The new president, Michele Kang, has managed to save the club from relegation and must now address the issue of the naming of the stadium, the contract with Groupama expiring on 31 July. Aulas stated that the renewal of the contract with Groupama was on track, ensuring the sustainability of the stadium name. He also stressed the importance of mobilizing everyone to build a competitive team, recalling that the sale of assets had saved Texto.

For the first time since his exclusion from OL, John Textor, former club leader, spoke after his failure in first instance before the DNCG. He presents himself as a “reformer” of the French model, a vision that was not appreciated by the financial gendarme. Textor criticizes the sustainability process of the DNCG, judging it subjective and based on arbitrary interpretations of club revenues. He states that the DNCG has systematically rejected potential revenues, even large ones, and that its willingness to reform the French model has aroused mistrust in the courts. He felt that the problem was not OL, but itself, as a driver of change.

The launch of Ligue 1+ was an opportunity for many French football leaders to comment on OL’s situation. Vincent Labrune, president of the LFP, praised the work done by Michele Kang and shareholders to avoid the sinking of the club, stressing the importance of OL for Ligue 1. Other actors, such as Waldemar Kita (Nantes) and Pierre Ferraci (Paris FC), welcomed OL’s retention in L1, while insisting on compliance. Olivier Létang (Lille) warned against the risks of destabilizing institutions. The history of OL, close to the catastrophe, must serve as a lesson for all French football.