Lyon face ban from UEFA European competitions after DNCG relegation decision

The French side was recently relegated from Ligue 1 after the ruling by France’s football financial watchdog, the DNCG.

Lyon's fate was determined following a pivotal meeting with the DNCG, which had earlier issued a provisional caution.

Following Lyon's expulsion from Ligue 1 due to financial irregularities, the club could also be banned from European competitions, according to L'Equipe, via Sport.

This severe UEFA sanction would only be implemented if Lyon's appeal to the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) is unsuccessful.

If Lyon is indeed excluded from the Europa League, having finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, their place would be taken by seventh-placed Strasbourg.

This would then allow eighth-placed Lens to enter the Conference League qualifiers. If Lyon's relegation is confirmed, Reims, who lost the relegation playoff, would take their place in Ligue 1.

However, RMC Sport reports that a potential return to Ligue 1 for the six-time champions could create administrative difficulties. Lyon would need to present a completely new budget to the DNCG.

Due to their relegation, Reims submitted a budget to the DNCG half the size of their previous one, anticipating significant reductions in season ticket prices and sponsor investment.

Meanwhile, banners reading "Textor Out," targeting the club's owner, have appeared around Lyon. Lyon isn't the only club facing sanctions from the DNCG.

They also expelled third-division side Nîmes from all French football competitions due to financial instability. This decision could relegate the four-time French runners-up and four-time cup finalists to the sixth division.