Lyon have been handed a severe sanction by the DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion. The French football financial watchdog has decided to hit the John Textor-owned Ligue 1 club with a provisional Ligue 2 relegation as well as a transfer ban and the supervision of their wages. Such an outcome was expected considering that the Ligue 1 club’s debt reportedly rose from €458 million to €508 million. Textor reportedly said to the DNCG today that Lyon would be able to sell players – or Botafogo players, with the Brazilian outfit also part of the Eagle Football Group portfolio – as well as a 45 % share in Premier League side Crystal Palace to balance the books.

Despite the American businessman’s confidence that the meeting with the DNCG went well, the financial watchdog evidently did not agree. As it stands, Lyon will be relegated to Ligue 2 if their financial situation does not improve dramatically. Les Gones might be forced to sell their prized assets, including France U21 international attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki (21) or Belgian international winger Malick Fofana (19) on a cheap this winter transfer window.