Seven months after the pronunciation against him a confinement as a precaution, Olympique Lyonnais thought of being able to blow. But the National Management Control Directorate (DNCG) ultimately did not hear the arguments of John Textor and refused to release the pressure on the Rhone club last November.
This Tuesday evening, the financial gendarme of Professionnel football has indeed confirmed the relegation in Ligue 2 of OL, which has been playing in the first division since 1989, in application of article 11 of the regulation, the professional football league said.
However, as they approach their hearing, Rhone officials displayed relative confidence despite sporting results below expectations (6th place in Ligue 1 and qualification for the Europa League).
“We have made various investments in recent weeks. Everything is financially good, ”said the American multi -owner John Textor recently. In addition to OL, the latter holds the clubs of Botafogo and Molenbeek within the Holding Eagle, and is about to give up its shares in the London club Crystal Palace.
This transaction, estimated at around 222 million euros by the BBC, was to be approved by the Premier League. Obviously, it will not have been enough to reassure the DNCG anyway.
When he left the league on Tuesday, John Textor still displayed his optimism. “We are very satisfied with the procedures implemented by the DNCG this year. We know that it is very aware of everything we have proposed, of all our options. You can see this thanks to the contributions of our shareholders, we have invested new capital, not only for the DNCG, but also for our process of granting UEFA licenses. Without forgetting the good news of the sale of Crystal Palace. »»
“Our liquidity situation has improved considerably,” he said. That said, it is an evaluation process. The DNCG has the right to examine the entire file. I think I have learned enough from you and procedures in France so as not to presume the outcome of the hearing. »»
“We are one of the best capitalized clubs in France at present, except for the obvious big club that is in the lead (PSG) And some others who, I am sure, have more important resources. We are therefore completely comfortable with our cash. »»
