Lyon 'provisionally relegated to Ligue 2' as Zaha and Lacazette caught in chaos

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

It's all gone wrong for Lyon and Wilfried Zaha. (Image: Getty)

Lyon have been handed a provisional Ligue 2 relegation due to their financial situation. The French Financial Football Watchdog met with club owner John Textor this week, and despite the American assuring fans that talks went well, the club have been handed a severe penalty.

The seven-time Ligue 1 champions have also been given a transfer ban and are now under supervision of their wages.

It follows reports their debts have risen to around £425million.

Related articles Ruben Amorim delivers Premier League title vow as Man Utd to play 'without fear' Ruben Amorim offers 'guarantee' to Man Utd fans in exciting first interview

The Europa League side now have until the end of the 2024/25 campaign to address their finances, and face having to sell their marquee players in order to avoid demotion. Under-21 internationals Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana had both been tipped for big futures at the club, but are now likely to be sold on cut-price deals in January.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Textor completed his purchase of the club in Decemner 2022. Five months later, he replaced Jean-Michael Aulas as chairman and CEO of OL Groupe, making him the new club president.

Aulas had previously served in the role for 36 years. During that period, Lyon claimed over 50 major titles beyween their men's and women's teams.

Alexander Lacazette is an icon in Lyon. (Image: Getty) Sky Sports, UHD, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix £52 £43 View Deal

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.

Howver, the club is now counting the cost of racking up huge net losses in recent years. Paying big fees and wages, as well as fluctuating media revenues, have been blamed for their problems.

And the future is now unclear for two former Premier League stars. Despite helping Galatasaray to the Super Lig title in 2023/24 following his move from Crystal Palace, Wilfried Zaha joined the French club on loan this summer.

He's managed just five appearances this season now, and could be sent back to Turkey in a bid to cut costs. And Alexander Lacazette could also now be offloaded despite his iconic status in Lyon.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Don't miss...
Paul Pogba's contract ripped up by Juventus as ex-Man Utd star speaks out [LATEST]
Ruud van Nistelrooy pens touching final message after being axed by Man Utd [LATEST]
David Coote witch-hunt is going down wrong path - here's the real problem [LATEST]

The 33-year-old spent eight seasons with them before leaving for Arsenal in 2017. He returned to Les Gones three years ago, and has a total of 187 goals in 363 game for the club.

Lyon are currently fifth in Ligue 1, with 18 points from their 11 games so far. In the Europa League, Pierre Sage's team have seven points from four matches.