One of the most popular clubs in French football, Lyon is about to be kicked out of the first league due to financial difficulties.

The French financial agency DNCG has imposed a fine on the club's owner, John Textor, if he does not repay the accumulated debts.

This year alone, Lyon's debt increased from 458 to 508 million euros. The owner of the club has warned that he will sell some players to cover the debts. His Eagle Football Group also owns Botafogo, so by selling players in Brazil, he will also be able to make money to cover debts at Lyon.

Textor also has a 45 percent stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace. The American businessman is confident that he will be able to save the club's accounts, but DNCG is not very optimistic.

Lyon must sell their most valuable players, Rayan Cherki and Malick Fofana, at "discount" prices this winter to secure finances in the hope of avoiding relegation from Ligue 1.

"There are smart people at DNCG, but they work in a system that doesn't allow them to see what we really do. They lost looking at our financial statements. They're not going to fire us, there's no way that's going to happen," Textor said. .