Lyon have been listed in the 2025–26 Ligue 1 fixtures despite their provisional relegation to France’s second division due to financial concerns.
The French league released its schedule on Friday, with Lyon set to face Lens in their opening match on the weekend of 16–17 August. However, their inclusion comes amid ongoing uncertainty following a demotion order issued last November by the DNCG — the financial watchdog for French football.
Despite a recent meeting with DNCG officials, Lyon’s leadership, including majority owner John Textor, failed to present a convincing case that the club’s finances had improved. The DNCG’s decision remains in place for now, although the club is appealing.
Lyon’s financial troubles stem largely from debts of £422 million announced by Textor’s Eagle Football Group, which owns 77% of the club. The club previously slammed the DNCG’s ruling as “incomprehensible.”
Last season, Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 and qualified for the Europa League, but their demotion could now have wider implications.
Crystal Palace, owned in part by the same Eagle Football Group, could be affected under UEFA rules that prohibit clubs with shared ownership from competing in the same European tournament. Palace, as FA Cup winners, are also due to play in the Europa League.
Textor recently agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace, a move seen as an attempt to resolve the conflict. UEFA’s executive committee met Friday to deliberate on the issue, but a final decision has been postponed until early next week.
