In a surprising turn of events, French giants, Paris Saint-Germain have stepped in to support long-time rivals Olympique Lyonnais, who are grappling with severe financial distress and have been officially relegated to Ligue 2.
Despite months of friction between PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Lyon’s owner John Textor, the two recently engaged in a candid conversation that appears to have thawed tensions.
According to Le Parisien (via msn.com), Textor offered a direct apology for his previous public criticisms, a gesture that Al-Khelaïfi reportedly took to heart.
Demonstrating rare solidarity, PSG have now fast-tracked payment of the outstanding balance for the €45 million-plus deal that brought Bradley Barcola to Paris, a move confirmed by Paris Team.
The early transfer payment, which includes an additional €5 million in bonuses, is expected to provide Lyon with much-needed liquidity as they attempt to stabilize their finances.
Under the microscope of the French football financial watchdog, the DNCG, Lyon had already been dealt a provisional relegation in November due to mounting debts.
The club has since offloaded several key players in a bid to satisfy financial regulations, but Tuesday’s DNCG hearing reaffirmed their demotion to France’s second division.
While PSG’s gesture won’t erase Lyon’s wider financial woes, it could help delay further fallout and provide a glimmer of hope for the seven-time Ligue 1 champions as they navigate their crisis.
