Key Points

Olympique Lyonnais has appointed Michele Kang as president following John Textor's resignation. Kang will also lead Eagle Football Group while Michael Gerlinger takes over as Director General. The club is appealing its Ligue 2 relegation after a financial audit. Textor praised Kang's leadership as OL navigates this transitional phase.

Key Points: Olympique Lyonnais Names Michele Kang President After Textor Exit

  • Michele Kang replaces John Textor as OL president and Eagle Football CEO
  • Michael Gerlinger appointed Director General with decades of football experience
  • Club faces DNCG appeal after Ligue 2 relegation
  • Textor steps down to focus on Eagle Football's other properties
2 min read

Olympique Lyonnais appoint Michele Kang as president

Michele Kang takes over as Olympique Lyonnais president, replacing John Textor, while Michael Gerlinger becomes Director General amid club's Ligue 2 appeal.

"Michele is a perfect choice to lead OL in the next phase – John Textor"

Lyon, June 30

French club Olympique Lyonnais has appointed Michele Kang, who has served on the Olympique Lyonnais board since 2023, as its president.

She has also been named chairwoman and CEO of Eagle Football Group, replacing U.S. businessman John Textor, who resigned from his leadership positions at the French club to focus on the company’s other football properties.

Meanwhile, Michael Gerlinger has been given charge of the Director General of Olympique Lyonnais.

"She will take an active role in supporting the club's executive management, including spearheading the club’s appeal process with the DNCG. John Textor has resigned from his leadership positions at Olympique Lyonnais, including the Board of Directors," Olympique Lyonnais said in a statement.

“We are entering a critical moment for OL and I want to thank John for his commitment and vision in bringing the club into the Eagle Football family. I look forward to working closely with Michael, OL management team, and the Board as we focus on supporting the club through the DNCG process and beyond," Michele Kang said.

Gerlinger, a widely respected figure in European football administration, brings over two decades of experience in governance, regulatory affairs and sporting operations.

“I am extremely proud of our sporting success at OL, having successfully rebuilt the squad, returning to European competition in each of the last two years, after a long absence. I’m grateful to everyone at OL for their dedication during this exceptionally challenging time. Michele is a perfect choice to lead OL in the next phase and I have full confidence in Michele and OL will come out stronger under her leadership," Textor said.

Olympique Lyonnais have been relegated to Ligue 2 after a financial audit, a decision the club has announced it will appeal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As an Indian football fan, I'm curious how this affects Lyon's scouting in Asia. They've had some great players over the years - maybe we'll see more Indian talents getting chances now?
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Aman W
The financial troubles are worrying 😟 Hope the new leadership can stabilize things. Lyon is too big a club to stay in second division for long.
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Sarah B
While diversity in leadership is good, I hope Kang's appointment isn't just tokenism. Lyon needs strong football knowledge right now, not just business expertise.
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Vikram M
Remember when Lyon dominated French football? Those were the days! Hope this new team can bring back the glory. Gerlinger seems like a solid choice too.
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Nisha Z
The DNCG process sounds complicated 😅 But if they can sort the finances and keep their young talents, Lyon should bounce back quickly. Fingers crossed!

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