Olympique Lyonnais Faces DNCG Restrictions on Wage Bill Management
The Olympique Lyonnais (OL) is currently facing important financial scrutiny from France’s financial regulatory body, DNCG. A recent audit demonstrated the club’s ongoing struggle with its wage bill management as it attempts to comply with financial regulations.
OL’s Recent DNCG Hearing
On Thursday, the club’s president, Michele Kang, met with the DNCG for a mid-season assessment. Following nearly two hours of discussion, the DNCG implemented restrictions on OL’s wage bill. However, they did lift certain restrictions related to transfer fees.
Michele Kang’s Leadership
Succeeding John Textor as club president on June 30, she aimed to stabilize OL’s finances. Last summer, the club faced threats of relegation due to severe financial difficulties. Kang’s measures and promises to reduce the budget were essential to maintaining the club’s position in Ligue 1 and securing a spot in the Europa League.
Financial Status and DNCG Evaluation
- As of November, Eagle Football Group, OL’s parent company, reported a net loss of €201.2 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, a staggering increase of €175.3 million from the previous year.
- The overall debt of the club reached €517.9 million, reflecting ongoing financial challenges.
- Despite these difficulties, Eagle Football Group announced a 7% increase in its operational revenues during Q1 of the 2025-26 fiscal year, partly due to player transfers in the summer.
Future Prospects
Following the positive reception from the DNCG, the OL will not be banned from recruiting in the upcoming winter transfer window. However, the club is still under strict financial guidelines that it must adhere to maintain compliance.
Michele Kang expressed pride in the DNCG’s decision, emphasizing the hard work that has gone into stabilizing the club’s situation. The OL remains eager to engage with its supporters at the stadium as it navigates its financial recovery.
