John Textor resigns from Lyon leadership amid Ligue 2 relegation threat | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais have announced a major change in their leadership structure, confirming that John Textor has stepped down from his roles at the club with immediate effect.

The move comes during a turbulent time for the club, who face relegation to Ligue 2 following a decision by French football’s financial watchdog, the DNCG.

Lyon have vowed to appeal the demotion, but the club’s off-field structure is already being reshaped ahead of that process.

Michele Kang has been appointed Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Football Group and Olympique Lyonnais.

Michael Gerlinger will take over as Director General of the club.

Kang, who joined the OL board in 2023 and is a significant shareholder in the organisation, will now spearhead the club’s attempt to overturn the DNCG’s ruling.

Textor relinquished his leadership responsibilities at the French club, citing a desire to focus on markets where he and his group retain complete operational freedom.

He expressed confidence in Kang’s leadership and praised Lyon’s recent sporting achievements, which included returning to European competition after a period of decline.

In a statement, Kang acknowledged the challenges facing Lyon and reaffirmed her commitment to guiding the club through the current crisis.

“We are entering a critical moment for OL,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with Michael and the OL management team as we focus on supporting the club through the DNCG process and beyond.”

Gerlinger, a respected figure in football administration, arrives at Lyon after nearly two decades at Bayern Munich, where he held senior roles in sports business and regulatory affairs.

While the executive overhaul at Lyon takes shape, the ripple effects are being felt in London.

Crystal Palace, who also fall under Eagle Football’s umbrella, are awaiting UEFA’s decision over their eligibility for the Europa League next season.

The Eagles’ surprise FA Cup final win secured European qualification, but clubs controlled by the same ownership group cannot compete in the same continental competition under UEFA rules.

With Lyon having finished sixth in Ligue 1, ahead of Palace’s 12th-placed finish in the Premier League, they would typically take precedence.

However, Lyon’s demotion could alter the equation. To avoid further complications, Textor has agreed to sell his stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

He will take on the same minority voting structure previously held by Eagle Football.

UEFA’s final decision on Palace’s status is expected shortly, but Textor’s departure may help ease regulatory concerns and preserve the club’s long-awaited European campaign.