Laurent Prud'homme the CEO and John Textor the boss of OL / © O&L
In a long monologue this Saturday, John Textor tried to justify Eagle Football Group's strategy to explain the project to OL. The American owner assures that all the global elements were not taken into account by the DNCG, whose system is called into question.
at theOL, for many years, Lyon supporters and club followers were used to Jean-Michel's long tirades Classes. The historic president handed over to John Weaver but good habits have not disappeared between Rhône and Saône. This Saturday, the American appeared in front of the press and only the press because of the listing of the Eagle Football Group stock exchange, the day after the DNCG decision. Finally, decisions from the financial policeman of French football, since the latter announced a control of the payroll, a ban on recruiting this winter, but above all a relegation as a precautionary measure at the end of the season.
“We are surprised”
A blow to the head of the Lyon club, but also of its owner, who certainly did not expect this triple sanction. “We didn't have a full explanation of the two lines of the decision. We didn't have any indication that they had problems with our presentation, a day or two before. They had questions and I think that we answered these questions. We're surprised, I would have thought we would have had a confidential letter to work together.”
“We are happy with where we are”
Having the opportunity to appeal, John Weaver rather dismissed this idea, because “We can appeal on the payroll and recruitment. I don't know if we are going to appeal because we are very happy with where we are.” No fear therefore for the American owner who has once again sought to defend his project and his financial system. As is often the case, it's not: hell is other people, but almost.
By the way, John Weaver did not fail to criticize part of the DNCG system and the data taken into account to judge OL's situation and therefore penalize the club in the months to come. “Eagle Football Group is a unique model, a unique thought. We are a large organization, we share players in a collaborative way. What is the economics of a shared athlete? We have a problem understanding with the DNCG. I respect their work, because they have to think about the good of Ligue 1, but how can they plan so far ahead when in the Premier League, they above all put penalty points before really sanctioning”.
