Relegated Lyon Included in Ligue 1 Opening Fixtures

Despite their recent relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial troubles, Lyon has surprisingly been included in the 2025-26 Ligue 1 fixtures, with their opening match scheduled against Lens on the weekend of August 16-17.

The provisional demotion was imposed in November by the DNGC (French football's financial regulatory body) after Lyon failed to meet financial requirements. Club representatives, including owner John Textor, met with DNGC officials this week but failed to overturn the decision.

The financial situation remains dire, with Textor's Eagle Football Group (which holds 77% of Lyon) reporting debts of £422 million last October. Lyon has called the DNGC's decision "incomprehensible" and plans to appeal.

This development has significant European implications:

• Lyon finished 6th in Ligue 1 last season, earning Europa League qualification
• Their relegation affects Crystal Palace's European prospects due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules
• Textor recently agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace to resolve the conflict

UEFA officials met Friday to review the situation, but postponed their final decision until early next week. The outcome could determine whether Crystal Palace retains their Europa League spot.