July 18, 2025
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Relegated to Ligue 2 for financial reasons, Olympique Lyonnais is actively preparing its call. But beyond the legal fight, the entire club management could be redesigned. Under pressure from the ARES fund, which funded the club's acquisition in 2022 up to 400 million euros, John Textor could be pushed towards the exit. In question: its management deemed unstable and the abysmal debts which now threaten the very existence of the Lyon institution. In this context, two figures are emerging to embody the new face of OL: Michele Kang, current owner of Women's OL, and Michael Gerlinger, director of Eagle Football football. According to The teamthe two could form a crisis tandem to relaunch the club.

Bicephale governance?

The American Michele Kang, who bought Women's OL in May 2023, could lead the club as an executive president. Already a shareholder of Eagle, Kang would be ready to reinject funds to meet the requirements of the DNCG, unveils the team. As for Michael Gerlinger, former Bayern Munich, he was expected to defend the Lyon file before the appeal commission in July. Respected in the circles of European football, its technical and legal profile reassures. According to LesViolets.comGerlinger had even been approached recently to take the presidency of Toulouse FC, before declining.

Weakened and disputed, John Textor would only be a suspended president. For several months now, Ares had sought to regain control of the club, without having the legitimacy. The relegation decided by the DNCG could be the blow of grace for the American entrepreneur. The club will have to mobilize resources quickly to try to stay in Ligue 1.. The Kang-Gerlinger ticket could embody a break with current governance, while offering a credible solution to the DNCG.