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Lyon have won the Ligue 1 title on seven occasions Lyon have been included in the Ligue 1 fixtures for next season despite being relegated to French football's second tier because of the poor state of their finances. In the schedule released on Friday, Lyon have been earmarked to play Lens in their opening game of the 2025-26 campaign - which starts on the weekend of 16-17 August. Lyon were provisionally demoted in November by the DNGC, the body which oversees the accounts of French professional football clubs. Club officials, including owner John Textor, met with the DNGC earlier this week but failed to convince the body that the club had improved their financial situation enough to lift the punishment. Last October Textor's Eagle Football Group, which owns a 77% stake in Lyon, announced debts of £422m. Lyon previously described the DNGC's decision as "incomprehensible" and have taken steps to appeal. Les Gones finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League. Their relegation could prove significant to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, whose hopes of playing in the Europa League next season are under threat because of Uefa rules which prevent multiple teams under one multi-club ownership structure competing in the same European competition. Textor owns stakes in both clubs although he agreed a deal to sell his 43% share in Palace on Monday. Uefa executives met on Friday to discuss the matter, and the outcome of the hearing had been expected to be announced later in the day, but the meeting is now set to resume at the start of next week. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Mercedes talking to Verstappen for 2026 - Russell Substituted players to be interviewed during Premier League games Norris leads team-mate Piastri in Austria practice Diane Morgan's heartfelt journey into her own past Munroe Bergdorf on finding love as a trans woman Jaw-dropping black comedy film starring Barry Keoghan The World War One origins of pioneering plastic surgery The British teenage trio creating Wimbledon history 'I love my fans, but also dread meeting them' - life as an autistic elite footballer Will Archer 2. 0 still be a £100m cheat code on England Test return? The end of one of football's great full-back duos - where do they rank? Every kit for Euro 2025 - pick your favourite The Commonwealth Games swimmer who might not see 40 Sir Gareth joins the greats as football's seventh knighted manager The chase is on - why no team can feel safe against Stokes' England Will 'sport's best dressed officials' be missed at Wimbledon? Euro 2025: How have England evolved? What are Wales' chances? England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test Video England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test 'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars. Video'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Who is the most iconic British & Irish Lion of all time? Which drivers are in danger of losing their seat for 2026? How Draper became a genuine Wimbledon contender Fleetwood's stumble gives US Bradley-sized Ryder Cup headache Which young players could light up Euro 2025? What do you remember about the 2013 Lions tour? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.