French Football Association Maintains Penalties Against Olympique Lyonnais

The French Football Association’s appeals committee has decided to maintain the sanctions imposed on Olympique Lyonnais (OL) that were initially handed down in November. This includes upholding the transfer ban originally issued by the DNCG, France’s football financial regulatory body, following a hearing on Friday morning. The possibility of relegation to Ligue 2 was not part of the appeal process.

OL’s leadership, including General Director Laurent Prud’homme and Club President John Textor, presented their case to the committee. Their arguments reportedly centered on demonstrating recent financial inflows, aiming to prove that the penalties imposed on the club were excessively harsh. Textor is currently in the process of divesting his shares in Crystal Palace, a Premier League club.

The Lyon-based team is also actively selling players to improve its financial situation. Nigerian forward Gift Orban has already transferred to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, while long-serving goalkeeper Anthony Lopes has moved to FC Nantes. Reports suggest that midfielder Maxence Caqueret is close to joining Serie A side Como for a fee of €17 million.

Olympique Lyonnais is expected to issue an official statement in response to the decision. However, the club’s most crucial deadline will be at the end of the season during their next meeting with the DNCG, which will determine whether Lyon remains in Ligue 1 or faces relegation.