But that’s not enough. At the beginning of January, Lyon’s owner also dealt against French league boss Vincent Labrune and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. In an interview with RMC Sport, he reported on a meeting between the Ligue 1 clubs in the summer when it came to TV rights. “He (Labrune, Note d. Red.) barely opened his mouth. Nasser sat and chaired the meeting. “The president of our league just sat there like a lapdog and said nothing,” Textor complained.
Al-Khelaïfi, who also owns the TV channel beIN Sports, pushed for his media company to win the contract. He downplayed alternative ideas and “intimidated” and “harassed” people.
A PSG spokesman fired back at Textors a few days after the interview. “It’s a shame that you can’t buy class and elegance, because that would have saved Mr. Textor from making a fool of himself,” it said in a statement. The league association was “surprised” by the comments about President Labrune. Especially because Labrune and Textor had a “warm exchange” shortly before the interview.
To make matters worse, Olympique Lyon also embarrassed themselves in the cup last week. The former champions failed in the penalty shootout against fifth division club FC Bourgoin-Jallieu. Coach Pierre Sage said: “We will have to be ashamed in front of those who are close to us and in front of those who love the club.”
Whether in the transfer market, at the office or in the league – Olympique Lyon simply cannot calm down. And whether this will happen in the near future remains unclear given the uncertain financial situation. Because the transfer window closes on February 3rd. Until then, Lyon urgently needs to earn money. Otherwise it will be dark.