We knew it, John Textor doesn’t keep his tongue in his pocket. But the American owner of Olympique Lyonnais proved it in quite unexpected ways on Monday evening,
during an exclusive interview with Jérôme Rothen on RMC. Extremely critical of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the OL boss also questioned the independence of the DNCG.
An unacceptable outcome for the body, which departed from its usual practice by speaking publicly. “The DNCG was surprised to learn of the comments made by Mr. John Textor, President of Olympique Lyonnais, during his last media intervention, launched Jean-Marc Mickeler, president of the DNCG, in an official press release. These statements, both in their content and in their form, lead us to clarify several essential points. As an independent regulatory body provided for by law, the DNCG acts within a strictly regulatory framework and strives to preserve the economic balance of French professional football, with rigor and fairness in the treatment of all affiliated clubs. , without exception. Mr. Textor’s statements on the alleged attachment of the DNCG to the League, or on discriminatory treatment towards Olympique Lyonnais, demonstrate a clear and persistent lack of knowledge of the operating rules of football financial regulation. professional in France. »
DNCG’s cash response to Textor
While OL complains about having been demoted as a precautionary measure, the DNCG pleads its case and takes responsibility. “Since the arrival of Mr. Textor, the DNCG has made considerable efforts to establish a constructive dialogue with the new management of Olympique Lyonnais. We devoted an unprecedented amount of time to listening, informing and responding to the club’s numerous requests. Our teams took care to explain the laws and regulations, particularly French, while providing clarification on the resulting expectations. We regret that, despite this unprecedented support, Mr. Textor persists in wanting to believe that the DNCG has misunderstood its model and applied unfair treatment to OL. »
“These assertions, which are completely unfounded, obscure the reality of a financial situation which calls for concrete and credible solutions,” continues Mickeler. The economic model presented by Mr. Textor, as well as the elements essential to its short-term success – most of which remain to be realized – appear in full in the presentation he submitted to the DNCG. We confirm that this presentation conforms in all respects to the one he mentions. It was after a thorough examination of this documentation that the DNCG made its decisions, in particular the warning associated with a demotion as a precautionary measure. »
“French football deserves serious investors”
The DNCG clearly reframes John Textor. “We leave to Mr. Textor full responsibility for the comments he made concerning the financing of other clubs (PSG). We would like to point out, however, that contributions from non-EU sovereign funds comply with applicable law. On the other hand, we are still awaiting the independent legal analyzes promised by Mr. Textor, aimed at demonstrating the compliance, with regard to company law, tax law and football regulations, of the financing of a club by the profits generated by the sale of players from another club belonging to the same multi-ownership structure. The DNCG reaffirms its commitment to fairness and integrity in its decisions. »
“All clubs, whether large or small, national or international, are subject to the same rules and strict criteria, intended to promote the economic sustainability of French football. Olympique Lyonnais is no exception to this logic. We therefore invite Mr. Textor to concentrate his efforts on implementing the necessary measures to restore a healthy financial situation. Finally, we call on Mr. Textor to adopt a posture of responsibility. French football deserves serious investors, respectful of its institutions, and committed to working in a spirit of cooperation and transparency. Respect for existing rules and the fulfillment of its promises will be the best levers to strengthen the club and, more broadly, contribute to the development of French professional football.
concludes the proceedings.
