John Textor, the American businessman and owner of the football club Lyon, has finally admitted to making serious mistakes in managing one of France’s most famous clubs. After Lyon was administratively relegated to the second division of French football, Textor announced he would step back from the day-to-day running of the club. In an interview with Brazilian TV Globo, Textor candidly admitted he was not good enough politically in managing the club in France, although he had success on the sporting side.
Lyon is part of his sports conglomerate Eagle Football, which also includes Brazilian Botafogo, Belgian Molenbeek, and recently he announced the sale of his shares to English Premier League club Crystal Palace. Textor said he will now focus more on the global operations of Eagle Football, while his partners will take over the management of Lyon’s problems, which he frankly did not know how to solve.
Despite providing financial guarantees, the French National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) decided to administratively relegate Lyon to the second division, a decision the club called “incomprehensible” and immediately announced an appeal. Serbia’s national team coach Dragan Stojković praised the organization of the FIFA Club World Cup, where Lyon successfully passed UEFA’s financial sustainability check, allowing them to participate in the Europa League next season, provided they remain in the top tier of French football.
Textor emphasized that the French decision is related to specific local circumstances, and the sale of Crystal Palace confirms that Lyon never had more funds at its disposal. He ended by expressing pride in the results Lyon achieved on the pitch, reminding that the club had not played in the Europa League for a long time, and he brought them back there two years in a row.
On the other hand, an article from Portalanalitika confirms that Lyon successfully completed UEFA’s financial verification, enabling participation in the Europa League, but only if they stay in Ligue 1. This success comes shortly after Lyon was administratively relegated by the DNCG due to budget discrepancies. The club announced it will appeal this decision. UEFA initiated monitoring over Lyon in November, and in May Lyon was fined €250,000 for unpaid obligations to other clubs, employees, and tax/social institutions, the highest fine in that monitoring cycle.
Lyon has yet to receive the official documentation of the DNCG decision, necessary to file an appeal, which must be submitted within seven days of receiving the document.
So, Lyon is in chaos amid financial troubles, management mistakes, and legal battles, while Textor steps away from daily club management. Whether this once-great football giant can pull itself out of crisis and return to the top of French football remains to be seen. One thing is clear – this is a real drama for football fans and a testament to how hard it is to run a big club in the modern sports world.
Got thoughts on Textor’s blunders or think Lyon is doomed? Drop a comment below and stir the pot – football loves a good drama!
