The French football financial authority, the DNCG, has taken the decision to administratively relegate Olympique Lyonnais to Ligue 2 following concerns over the club`s financial management. This unexpected development offers a potential reprieve for another team: Stade de Reims. Reims had previously been relegated from Ligue 1 after losing their play-off match against Metz.
While Lyon (known as Les Gones) is expected to appeal the DNCG`s ruling, and the situation will not be finalised until the appeal process is complete, should Lyon`s relegation be upheld, Reims (Les Rouges et Blancs) would likely be reinstated into Ligue 1. As the highest-placed team among those relegated from the top flight last season, Reims would be the logical candidate to fill the vacancy, granting them a surprising second chance to secure their position in the French top tier for the upcoming season.
The DNCG`s action stems from ongoing financial issues at Lyon. The regulatory body had issued a provisional relegation threat back in the winter, contingent upon the club demonstrating improved financial health. Reports indicate that owner John Textor was unable to sufficiently convince the DNCG that the club`s financial situation had stabilised enough to avoid administrative demotion.
