On the brink of collapse barely a year ago, threatened with administrative demotion by the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) in view of the slates accumulated under the presidency of John Textor, OL narrowly avoided the ax to achieve a very successful season. “ We will be at least fifth, i.e. our place during the last two seasons when the investments had been much greater
», welcomes Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca.
According to the results of the 34e and last day of the championship scheduled for Sunday, Les Gones can grab third place and a direct ticket to the Champions League. A small miracle which, however, has not yet been recorded if we are to believe the information from the Telegraph which mentions possible sanctions from UEFA against the Rhone club.
Last summer, OL were indeed singled out for “
non-compliance with financial viability requirements », then receiving a fine of 50 million euros, of which 12.5 million are formally payable. However, the situation of the institution remains precarious despite the sporting improvement. Witness the bailout commitment of 60 million euros not kept by the Lyonnais, reports the British publication in question.
Many sales to fear this summer
UEFA could therefore decree an exclusion of OL from the European scene. Especially since the club still suffered 186.5 million euros in losses in the first half of the 2025-2026 season alone. Well aware of the fragility of their new balance, the current leaders promise to do everything possible to redress the situation. “ We are already working a lot for the future. There are things that are prepared for next season. We have objectives, player profiles that we want. (…) Possible departures are also anticipated, everything is ready », breathes Paulo Fonseca, probably forced to give up several executives during the next offseason.
Certainly, OL will therefore not have free rein on the market this summer, and any possible sanction from UEFA would only be another stick in the wheels of a club which is trying to pay for the damage left by its ex-American boss a year ago. On this subject, in Lyon, people say they are surprised by the content of the Telegraph’s information. “ The club was very surprised by this one-sided article, without having been questioned in defiance of all ethical rules. OL works closely with UEFA and the DNCG and respects its commitments », We can read in a press release published in the form of a right of reply.
