Just three days after facing administrative relegation to Ligue 2, Olympique Lyonnais is reportedly developing a new leadership structure internally. This potential restructuring could involve Michele Kang and Michael Gerlinger taking executive control of the struggling club.
Reports suggest Kang and Gerlinger are being positioned to replace John Textor. Textor`s hold on the OL presidency appears to be weakening, largely due to mounting pressure from ARES Management. This American investment fund provided a €400 million loan to support Textor`s takeover of the club in 2022.
Michael Gerlinger, who currently serves as director of football for Eagle Football Group, is expected to spearhead OL`s appeal before the DNCG regulatory body in July. Furthermore, he might also assume the role of General Manager, a position that has been unfilled since Laurent Prud’homme was sidelined in April.
Working alongside Gerlinger, Michele Kang is a possibility for the interim executive president role at OL. Kang is already the president of the club`s women`s team and holds a significant stake in Eagle Football Group. She, along with other stakeholders including Jean-Pierre Conte and Textor himself, are reportedly preparing to inject more funds in a final attempt to meet the DNCG`s financial requirements.
On Friday, two members of the Eagle board, specifically mentioning Christopher Mallon, were observed at the club`s Décines headquarters. They were reportedly working on materials for a presentation aimed at persuading the DNCG. Their presence has fueled further speculation that ARES Management might be pushing for control of the club, or at minimum, demanding a significant restructuring, following previous unsuccessful efforts to reduce Textor`s influence.
