Summary of "Why Have Lyon Been Relegated?" – The Athletic FC Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Athletic FC Podcast
• Host: Ayo Akinwolere
• Guests: Matt Slater (Senior Football News Reporter), Matt Woozeman (Crystal Palace Correspondent), Tom Williams (French Football Writer)
• Episode: Why Have Lyon Been Relegated?
• Release Date: June 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the unexpected relegation of Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) to France's second tier of football. The discussion centers around the financial troubles that led to this outcome, the role of multi-club ownership, and the broader implications for both Lyon and Crystal Palace.

Background

Lyon, a historically significant club in French football with seven Ligue 1 titles between 2001-2008, faced provisional relegation in November due to financial concerns raised by the DNCG (Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion), France's financial regulatory body for football clubs. John Texter, the head of Eagle Football Group with stakes in both Lyon and Crystal Palace, has been a central figure in the unfolding situation.

Financial Oversight by DNCG

Matt Slater provides an in-depth explanation of the DNCG's role in regulating the financial health of French clubs. Unlike UEFA's Financial Fair Play, the DNCG focuses solely on the solvency of clubs, assessing whether they can sustain their financial obligations for the upcoming year.

• Notable Quote:
  Matt Slater [02:56]: "The DNCG sort of does that privately. It kind of gets all the clubs in and says, what's going in, what's going out?"

Lyon's financial instability was flagged in November, leading to a provisional relegation. John Texter contested this decision, attributing the DNCG's actions to a misunderstanding of his multi-club ownership model.

Multi-Club Ownership and John Texter's Role

John Texter's ownership model, which includes stakes in both Lyon and Crystal Palace, has come under scrutiny. Matt Woozeman and Tom Williams explore whether Texter's management approach contributed to Lyon's financial downfall.

• Notable Quote:
  Tom Williams [07:07]: "John Texter whenever you talk to him about anything... he knows which bits of OL are making money."

Texter claimed confidence in resolving the financial issues, proposing various plans that the DNCG found insufficient. Despite assurances, his inability to fully implement the agreed-upon solutions led to the activation of Lyon's relegation.

Reactions from Lyon Fans and French Football

The relegation has elicited strong emotions from Lyon's fanbase and the broader French football community. Fans were taken aback by the sudden decision, especially given the club's reputable management under Jean-Michel Aulas.

• Notable Quote:
  Tom Williams [07:07]: "He hasn't backed them up. And every time he's backed into a corner, he just sells more attractive visions of how he's going to turn things around."

Protests erupted outside the stadium, with fans expressing their anger and disappointment. Former players criticized Texter for misleading the club's supporters and failing to uphold commitments.

Impact on Crystal Palace

The financial instability at Lyon has ripple effects on Crystal Palace, particularly concerning their participation in the upcoming Europa League. Matt Woozeman discusses the complexities of Texter's involvement and the potential implications for Palace's European ambitions.

• Notable Quote:
  Matt Woozeman [28:44]: "Palace have done their thing. They tried to sort of separate it from the wild west of Eagle Football as things stand."

Given that Texter holds a 43% stake in Crystal Palace, his legal and financial troubles could jeopardize the club's eligibility for European competitions. The ownership structure, with equal voting rights among the four main shareholders, complicates the situation further.

Possible Consequences for Ligue 1

Tom Williams highlights the potential fallout for Ligue 1 should Lyon's relegation stand. Lyon has been a cornerstone in French football, producing numerous national team players and contributing significantly to the league's reputation.

• Notable Quote:
  Tom Williams [34:41]: "They have been one of the big achievers, you know, one of the real drivers."

Lyon's absence from Ligue 1 would not only weaken the league's competitive balance but also impact its financial health, especially amidst ongoing challenges with television rights deals.

Conclusion

The relegation of Lyon underscores the intricate interplay between financial management, ownership structures, and regulatory oversight in modern football. John Texter's multi-club ownership model, while innovative, has exposed vulnerabilities that have now affected both Lyon and Crystal Palace. The outcome of Lyon's appeal against the DNCG's decision will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of the club and its affiliated entities. Additionally, the broader implications for Ligue 1 and the stability of multi-club ownership models across Europe remain areas of concern and interest.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Texter's Resignation:
  Matt Slater [21:36]: "John Texter is stepping away from Lyon... he's admitted he's terrible at French football politics."

• Impact on Fans:
  Matt Woozeman [46:44]: "It's clouding or overshadowing the success of the season."

• Ownership and UEFA Compliance:
  Matt Slater [40:49]: "UEFA have got themselves into a bit of a pickle around multi-club... it's going to be okay."

Key Takeaways

• Financial Mismanagement: Lyon's relegation is primarily due to financial missteps and inadequate responses to the DNCG's financial requirements.

• Ownership Challenges: John Texter's multi-club ownership has strained relations and created conflicts of interest, affecting both Lyon and Crystal Palace.

• Fan Backlash: Supporters are disillusioned with the stewardship of their clubs, leading to protests and a loss of trust in ownership.

• Broader Implications: The situation raises questions about the sustainability and regulatory oversight of multi-club ownership models in European football.

• Future Uncertainties: The outcome of appeals and the restructuring of ownership roles will significantly influence the future of Lyon, Crystal Palace, and potentially other clubs under similar ownership structures.

For Those Interested in More: To gain deeper insights and stay updated on the developments surrounding Lyon's relegation and its impact on Crystal Palace, consider listening to the full episode of The Athletic FC Podcast available on Acast.