A few hours after the announcement of the non-reduction of DNCG sanctions by the FFF appeal committee, OL reacted via a press release. Aware that it had little chance of reversing the situation, the club already seems to be looking ahead.
Reading the publication, we understand better what OL’s intentions were when they appeared before the FFF appeals committee on Friday. Following the DNCG sanctions in mid-November, Olympique Lyonnais went before a new assembly, with new documents in its file, but overall little hope of changing the situation.
OL knew they had little chance
The result was ultimately in line with expectations, without any surprises. Even before showing up, the people of Rhone knew that they would have a hard time getting the wage bill and the winter recruitment ban to be abandoned. Relegation as a precautionary measure was not concerned. The leaders were aware “that this commission rarely, if ever, overturns the decisions of the DNCG. However, it was essential for the club to take this opportunity to take stock“, they said in a press release.
Despite some progress on the transfer window and on the sale of shares in Eagle Football Holdings to Crystal Palace, the concrete and recorded results were clearly not sufficient. However, OL are delighted to “the curiosity shown by the members of the commission with regard to our collaborative multi-club model, unique on a global scale, which has helped Olympique Lyonnais to meet the financial challenges of football in France, ensuring our financial viability and our long-term sustainability.”
“Significant liquidity injections” of the shareholder
In its publication, the seven-time French champion team specifies that “as promised, our main shareholder made significant direct injections of liquidity into the club’s accounts, in December and January, well ahead of the objectives set for its hearing by the DNCG in May 2025.“She also detailed the various levers that she intends to activate and complete by spring to comply with the requests of the National Directorate of Management Control.
OL now have their sights set on sporting events, with the Europa League and qualification for the Champions League. Recalling his good rankings in competitions, he is “focused on the rest of his season.“Thus leaving behind him, for a few months, his interviews with the authorities regarding finances.
The full press release from OL:
“Olympique Lyonnais had the opportunity to appear before the DNCG appeal committee to put forward its arguments, accompanied by numerous significant progress and positive factual data concerning its financial situation.
Even before formulating its appeal, Olympique Lyonnais was aware that this commission rarely, if ever, overturns the decisions of the DNCG. However, it was essential for the club to take this opportunity to take stock.
-We are sincerely grateful for the curiosity shown by the members of the commission regarding our collaborative multi-club model, unique on a global scale, which has helped Olympique Lyonnais meet the financial challenges of football in France, ensuring our financial viability and long-term sustainability.
At the end of 2024, OL had presented numerous commitments to the DNCG, a large part of which has already been fulfilled. This commission offered the opportunity to highlight these important improvements and continue to build a relationship of trust with the authorities.
As promised, our main shareholder made significant direct injections of liquidity into the club’s accounts, in December and January, well ahead of the objectives set for its hearing by the DNCG in May 2025.
Likewise, Eagle Football and Olympique Lyonnais are exemplary during this January transfer window, compared to projections concerning the sale of Olympique Lyonnais players.
The club also shared with the committee its progress in streamlining team-related expenses, made through the sale and departure of several players. The club would like to congratulate the excellent work accomplished so far by Matthieu Louis-Jean and his team, who continue to strengthen our workforce, while reducing expenses.
Additionally, Eagle Football’s Crystal Palace and IPO operations have reached new phases of consolidation, further strengthening the credibility of our projections with the DNCG. Leading investors have publicly expressed their intentions regarding these opportunities.
Finally, the revenue generated by Botafogo’s sporting successes in the Copa Libertadores, Serie A and Club World Cup will continue to benefit the entire Eagle Football Holding group.
Olympique Lyonnais will continue to respect its commitments while maintaining its sporting competitiveness. OL are proud to currently occupy 4th place in the Europa League and 5th in Ligue 1, and are now focused on the rest of their season.”
Related News :