Olympique Lyonnais have been officially relegated to Ligue 2 following a decision by the French football financial watchdog, the DNCG. The decision, confirmed on June 24, 2025, is based on the club’s failure to meet financial requirements, despite a strong on-field performance during the 2024/25 season.
Lyon had finished 6th in Ligue 1, which would have qualified them for next season’s UEFA Europa League. However, the club’s financial situation—reportedly involving debts exceeding €500 million—prompted the DNCG to take administrative action and demote the club to the second tier of French football.
The ruling is not linked to sporting results, but instead centers on Lyon’s inability to present sufficient financial guarantees. As a result, the club is set to play in Ligue 2 for the 2025/26 season for the first time in over three decades.
The club retains the right to appeal the decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Olympique Lyonnais will be excluded from European competition and subject to financial monitoring and transfer restrictions.
