Moussa Niakhaté’s Lyon Secure Ligue 1 Status After DNCG Appeal Ruling
Olympique Lyonnais have officially been cleared to remain in Ligue 1 next season after the French football financial watchdog, the DNCG, overturned its initial decision to impose relegation on the club over financial irregularities.
The announcement, delivered on Wednesday by the DNCG appeals committee, confirmed that Lyon had successfully provided the required assurances to maintain their place in France’s top flight for the 2024–2025 campaign.
The outcome brings relief to supporters and players alike, including newly signed French-Senegalese defender Moussa Niakhaté, as uncertainty over the club’s future had clouded pre-season preparations.
The DNCG’s original ruling in June triggered alarm within the Lyon fanbase after it raised concerns over significant financial shortfalls and budgetary inconsistencies.
At the time, the club was accused of failing to meet crucial economic benchmarks, prompting the threat of an administrative relegation to Ligue 2.
In response, Lyon’s hierarchy moved swiftly to address the issues. The intervention of Michele Kang, who recently became the club’s majority shareholder, and general manager Michael Gerlinger proved instrumental in restructuring the club’s financial file.
Their efforts culminated in the presentation of new documentation and guarantees deemed sufficient by the DNCG to reverse its decision.
Despite the favourable outcome, Lyon’s path forward remains tightly regulated. The DNCG has placed the club under strict financial supervision, particularly concerning wage expenditure and transfer activity.
This means the club will need to conduct its upcoming transfer window with significant caution, operating under clearly defined constraints.
While the spectre of demotion has been lifted, Lyon’s management faces the challenge of rebuilding the squad while remaining compliant with oversight measures.
The ruling effectively places a financial leash on the club, requiring any incoming or outgoing moves to pass stringent checks. This could affect both player recruitment and contract renewals throughout the season.
For Moussa Niakhaté, who joined the club amid the administrative turbulence, the confirmation of Lyon’s Ligue 1 status allows him to settle into his new role without the looming risk of second-division football.
His arrival had been viewed as part of the club’s broader efforts to reinforce their defence and restore competitiveness after a turbulent season.
The DNCG’s decision ends weeks of speculation and provides some degree of stability ahead of the league’s return. However, it also serves as a clear message: Lyon’s financial operations will be monitored closely, and any future missteps could once again place their Ligue 1 position in jeopardy.
Though the situation remains delicate, the club can now focus on the pitch. Supporters will be hopeful that with its off-field crisis temporarily resolved, Lyon can concentrate on delivering results and pushing for a stronger showing in the domestic campaign.
For now, the verdict ensures that Niakhaté and his teammates will walk out in Ligue 1 next season, but the road ahead will demand prudent management, both financially and competitively.
