Lyon to remain in Ligue 1 after winning appeal against relegation
Lyon have won their appeal against their demotion to Ligue 2, a decision that has implications for Crystal Palace's European hopes.
Lyon's will remain in Ligue 1 next season after they won their appeal against relegation to Ligue 2 on Wednesday.
Lyon were hit with a provisional demotion to the second tier last November by the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) amid concerns over the club's finances.
The DNCG chose to uphold that decision last month and demote the seven-time champions. However, that has since been revoked.
"Olympique Lyonnais welcomes the decision to keep the club in Ligue 1," the club said in a statement.
"OL thanks the appeal committee for having recognised the ambition of the club's new management, determined to ensure serious management in the future.
"Today's decision is the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on sporting goals, fully preparing for next season."
It is a decision that also affects Crystal Palace, whose FA Cup triumph against Manchester City saw them qualify for the Europa League.
Lyon had reached a settlement with UEFA, agreeing to be excluded from European competitions next season if their relegation was confirmed on appeal.
They finished sixth in Ligue 1 last year, qualifying for the tournament along with Palace, but upon the latest developments, the Eagles may be unable to play in the competition.
That is because there is a perceived breach of UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, with Eagle Football Holdings, owned by John Textor, at the centre of the case.
The American businessman has stakes in both Palace and Lyon, with UEFA rules stating clubs cannot compete in the same European competition if they are owned to a certain threshold of influence by the same person or entity.
It means that Nottingham Forest, who qualified for the Conference League after finishing seventh in the Premier League, could take Palace's place in the Europa League.
