Olympique Lyonnais has filed a formal complaint with the Lyon public prosecutor against unnamed individuals regarding financial mismanagement during the previous administration, the club confirmed on Monday. The action follows an internal investigation commissioned in December by the club’s new leadership, headed by Michele Kang, as Lyon continues to address significant financial losses – 186.5 million euros in 2023.
While Kang’s team has not explicitly named John Textor, the former owner who was removed from his position after failing to meet requirements set by the DNCG last year, the club’s statement makes clear its grievances with the previous leadership, despite both entities being under the umbrella of Eagle Football Group. The complaint alleges a period of deliberate disorganization and a systematic lack of transparency in financial dealings between May 2023 and June 2025.
The club claims the investigation revealed hundreds of millions of euros in financial flows lacking economic justification, particularly concerning given the club’s concurrent cash flow problems and delays in social security payments. Lyon’s current management has stated it is not ruling out further legal action in the future, aiming for full transparency in the matter.
Textor’s departure from Lyon was contentious, with the DNCG raising concerns about the club’s financial stability under his leadership. Kang’s arrival marked a significant shift in direction, and this complaint represents a decisive move to distance the club from the practices of the previous regime. The investigation and subsequent legal action are intended to ensure accountability and restore financial health to the club.
The filing of this complaint signals a clear break from the past and a commitment to a new era of financial responsibility at Olympique Lyonnais. It also suggests a desire to fully understand and address the financial challenges inherited by the current ownership group, potentially paving the way for future investment and stability.
