LYON have been slapped with a £172million cash demand to avoid relegation to Ligue 2 – as Crystal Palace’s Europa League hopes hang in the balance.
French financial watchdogs have warned the seven-time Ligue 1 champions that they must balance their books fast or face being forcibly demoted to Ligue 2.
Steve Parish has been working round the clock to ensure his Crystal Palace play in Europe[/caption]
Crystal Palace defied the odds to win the FA Cup last season[/caption]
Lyon, who qualified for the Europa League on the pitch last season, are on the brink of an administrative meltdown.
According to L’Equipe, a probe by the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG) found a giant hole in their finances.
If they fail to plug the £172million black hole, Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1 will not be overturned, piling on the misery for fans of the former giants.
And the chaos in France could have a ripple effect across the Channel, with Crystal Palace sweating on a potential Europa League reprieve.
The Eagles’ Europa League spot for winning the FA Cup is under threat due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.
John Textor, who owns Lyon through his Eagle Football Group, is selling his 43 per cent share in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
If the French club are successful with their appeal, Palace are likely to be demoted to the Conference League, although they could challenge the decision at CAS.
However, the Eagles will most likely keep their Europa League spot if Lyon are unable to raise the £172million and lose their appeal.
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Palace bosses have been in talks with UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body to try and find a solution to the situation.
But a verdict from the governing body has been put on ice pending the outcome of Lyon’s relegation appeal.
In some positive news for Palace, SunSport can exclusively reveal that Eagles midfielder Cheick Doucoure is close to returning to full fitness.
The midfielder missed a chunk of last season due to a knee operation but he is back on the grass ahead of pre-season next week.
Moroccan defender Chadi Riad, who ruptured his cruciate ligament, is also back running, although it is unclear if he will be ready to go straight into the team for the start of next season.
The potential return of the duo could serve as a major boost to manager Oliver Glasner, who is looking to build on last season’s success.
The Eagles finished 12th in the league last season but won the FA Cup — their first ever major trophy.
Cheick Doucoure missed a large part of last season due to injury[/caption]
Chadi Riad has played only one game since signing for Palace from Betis last summer[/caption]
