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Olympique Lyonnais have once again entered into a serious dispute with their former president, John Textor, by lodging an official legal complaint against him. After conducting an in-depth internal audit into his period of control, the French football club has accused the American businessman of major financial misconduct and misuse of corporate resources. The latest development underscores ongoing tensions and raises questions over hundreds of millions of euros in dubious financial dealings during Textor’s leadership.

Formal legal proceedings initiated

As reported by RMC Sport, Lyon and their parent company, Eagle Football Group, issued a statement on Monday confirming that they have filed a formal legal complaint with the French judicial authorities. Although the complaint is technically filed against “X”, it is widely understood to be directed at Textor and his management of the club from May 2023 to June 2025. The French side stated that they are specifically “targeting facts likely to characterise offences of misuse of corporate assets, aggravated misuse of corporate assets, and complicity in these two offences.” Despite Textor’s efforts to make a strong comeback early in 2026, the current management has decisively moved forward to uncover the full extent of the financial damage left behind.

Findings from internal audit raise alarms

The legal action follows an independent internal audit ordered by the board in December last year, with the final report presented by external legal experts in early June. Based on the documents reviewed this Monday, investigators found evidence of “a deliberate disorganisation of the company’s operations” and “systematic opacity in financial management.”

The official communication described alarming inconsistencies within the multi-club structure: “The report also highlights financial flows amounting to several hundred million euros that appear to have been executed without any economic justification, in a situation already marked by severe cash shortages and delays in paying social security contributions.” These conclusions shed light on the severe financial chaos that prevailed during the previous leadership’s tenure.

Suspicious transfer activity under scrutiny

Central to the controversy are puzzling player transfers among clubs owned by Eagle Football Group, particularly involving the Brazilian outfit Botafogo. For example, Lyon reportedly spent over €40 million to acquire Igor Jesus, yet the player never joined the French side and was later transferred to Nottingham Forest without playing a single match in Ligue 1.

Similarly, the transfer of Luiz Henrique to Zenit St Petersburg allegedly resulted in a large payment being made to Lyon, even though the player never represented them. In response, Eagle Football Group stated: “EFG continues to pursue its investigations and, where necessary, will initiate further complaints against those involved. The company will also continue to report any findings that may qualify as financial embezzlement to the Lyon Public Prosecutor.”

Future prospects for Lyon

Looking ahead, current co-presidents Michele Kang and Michael Gerlinger face the formidable challenge of rebuilding the club’s fragile financial foundation and recovering from the economic turmoil inherited from the previous administration. As they introduce strict fiscal reforms and await the outcome of legal proceedings, this extensive financial restructuring could pave the way for a potential medium-term sale of the historic French club.