PSG reaches out to save arch-rivals from relegation
Lyon have announced that they have successfully appealed against DNCG's decision to relegate them to Ligue 2, with a large part of the credit attributed to financial support from rival PSG.
Two weeks ago, DNCG announced that Lyon was relegated to the second division due to a huge debt of up to 175 million euros, stemming from the board's ineffective financial management and salary payments far exceeding the budget.
Despite recruiting many stars with high salaries, Lyon continuously failed to win tickets to the Champions League, leading to a lack of revenue to pay off debts. After being warned many times by DNCG without improvement, Lyon was forced to face the decision of relegation.
To save the situation, Lyon actively restructured its finances, earning 56 million euros from selling players, including the transfer of Rayan Cherki to Manchester City for 35 million euros, along with Said Benrahma, Johann Lepenant and several other names.
The club also liquidated a series of high-paid players and did not spend on recruiting new forces. Owner John Textor, through Eagle Football Group, also sold shares in another club to focus resources on saving Lyon.
Notably, according to sources, PSG is said to have played an important role in helping Lyon turn the situation around. In the 2023/24 season, PSG signed a contract to buy Bradley Barcola from Lyon for 50 million euros, paid in several installments.
However, the Paris capital team is said to have paid the entire amount instead of paying in installments as originally agreed, helping Lyon have more financial resources to meet DNCG's strict requirements.
Although this information has not been confirmed by both sides, PSG's move is considered a key factor in helping Lyon successfully appeal and maintain its position in Ligue 1.
PSG's financial support for Lyon not only helps this traditional team stay in Ligue 1 but also contributes to maintaining the appeal of France's top league.
According to analysis, Lyon's relegation to Ligue 2 could reduce the competitiveness and appeal of Ligue 1. A clear example is that in the 2024/25 season, the match between PSG and Lyon at the Parc des Princes attracted 47,926 spectators, a figure that far exceeded PSG's top matches with Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League. Lyon's presence clearly brings great value to the tournament.
It is not uncommon for big clubs to financially support their rivals in top-flight football, especially between bitter rivals.
History records that in 2003, Bayern Munich supported Borussia Dortmund with 2 million euros to pay players' salaries on time, helping their opponent overcome the risk of bankruptcy.
Similarly, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Liverpool also regularly provided financial support to Everton, helping the city team overcome difficult times.
