'John Textor out!' Lyon fans aim chants at under-fire owner in huge protest following club's shock relegation to Ligue 2

In a video posted on X, Lyon fans took to the streets to chant in protest of owner Textor, demanding that he leave the French giants after financial mismanagement resulted in the great club being automatically relegated to Ligue 2. A banner in front of the fans read 'Textor Dehors' ('Textor out').

Lyon were hit with a provisional relegation back in November, given until the end of the season to resolve their financial situation, which has been deteriorating for several years. Despite having sold several key players since then, including new Manchester City signing Rayan Cherki, French football watchdog the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) announced on June 24 the decision to relegate the seven-time Ligue 1 champions. It is said that the club, whose owner Textor recently sold his shares in Crystal Palace, will appeal the decision.

Lyon's seven Ligue 1 titles came in consecutive years, between 2001-02 and 2007-08. Nearly 20 years on, they have retained their status as one of France's top clubs, finishing sixth in the top flight in 2024/25 and reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

Lyon will hope that an appeal against a decision they view as "incomprehensible" is successful; otherwise, the club will be forced to rebuild in the second tier, where they have not competed for 36 years.

Having recently sold his shares at Crystal Palace to give the South Londoners a boost in their Europa League dream, Textor's multi-club ownership model may all come crashing down if Lyon are relegated and the fans force him out. If he stays, it would be a major task to rebuild and bring the club back towards a European challenge. Though they may still be granted the right to compete in the Europa League next season.