Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 4:41 p.m.
The president of Olympique Lyonnais, John Textor, sparked a heated controversy in the French Football landscape by making incendiary remarks against the regulatory authorities and Paris Saint-Germain.
In a resounding media statement, the American owner denounced collusion between the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) and the Professional Football League (LFP), affirming that OL was the subject of discriminatory treatment threatening its competitiveness. The American businessman did not stop there: he also targeted Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), accusing it of benefiting from financing which, according to him, distorts competition in Ligue 1. These assertions have quickly provoked reactions from the institutions concerned, plunging French football into a storm at the start of the year.
-The FFF provides its support to the DNCG
If the president of the Rhone club decided to attack the DNCG, it is because the policeman of French football decided, a few weeks ago, to demote OL to Ligue 2 as a precautionary measure. This sanction, reinforced by a ban on recruitment and strict control of the payroll, was confirmed on appeal, despite the vehement protests of John Textor. The president of OL describes these measures as “unfair”, while the DNCG justifies its decision by significant financial shortcomings by the club. Jean-Marc Mickeler, president of the DNCG, responded firmly to these accusations, denouncing a “obvious ignorance” of French financial rules on the part of Textor. He also underlined the efforts undertaken to dialogue with OL, while categorically refuting the allegations of collusion or discrimination.
Faced with this crisis, the French Football Federation (FFF) has lined up behind the DNCG. Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, praised the integrity and independence of the regulatory body, while calling for collective responsibility to deal with the economic crisis hitting professional football. Diallo announced the upcoming holding of a meeting with the parties concerned, in order to develop lasting solutions for the sector. In this tense context, John Textor's virulent criticism risks further isolating OL on the national scene. The combative approach of the American leader, although it has the merit of raising debates on the functioning of institutions, could also worsen the situation of a club already weakened on the sporting and financial levels.
