John Textor has resigned from his 'daily responsibilities' in Lyon, while Crystal Palace is waiting for a decision about whether they can play in the Europa League.
The historic place of the Eagles in the Europa League was threatened under the rules of UEFA for Multi -Club -ownership thanks to the fact that Eagle Football Holdings – who have a 43 percent interest in the club – are also the owners of Lyon.
John Textor, who owns the group, has agreed to sell the importance in Palace to New York Jets -owner Woody Johnson in a desperate attempt to keep the South -London side in the competition after their shock FA Cup Final victory over Manchester City.
A decision was expected on Friday, but it was delayed and is now expected to announce on Monday.
The hope of Palace on a first European campaign initially received a huge boost last week after Lyon was banned from the French First Division. After an audit of Lyon's books by Direction Nationale Du Control De Gestion (DNCG), the body responsible for supervising the finances of French football clubs), the club has been relegated.
That decision is subject to appeal – anyway, Lyon released a statement on Friday that suggests that they are still in the box seat.
On Monday, Textor revealed that he resigned as president of the French club, who had rejected control of daily operations and hinted on future involvement in another English side.
“On a personal level, I am really looking forward to the reduction of my daily management responsibilities in Europe, so I can concentrate on markets where we have complete freedom to run our football clubs … to invest, innovate, grow and compete,” Textor said.
'Ol (Lyon) in big hands with Michele [Kang]And I will concentrate on Botafogo, daring Brussels and our next club in England.
'I am extremely proud of the global sporting successes of Eagle Football, with historical championships, cup wins and tournamentalifications in Brazil, France and England, but it is clear that we have to make changes to our management approach, if we expect them to be so effective off-the-pack.
'Each of our clubs and communities deserves leadership, with a strong local presence, and the insight to overcome both sporting and non -sporting challenges that we are confronted with.
“It is clear to everyone that Michele is a perfect choice to lead OL, and I am very happy for our community that she has accepted the job.”
According to UEFA rules, Lyon would have taken the place in the Europa League because they ended up higher (sixth) in their domestic competition than Palace (12th). Earlier, those who were related to Lyon had insisted that they would have no problems.
The rules state that in multi-club groups the club that ended in a higher competition position have a precedent in such circumstances.
Palace is confident to find a resolution, since no facilities, players or resources are shared with Lyon.
It is thought that Johnson will be subject to the same line -up as the Textor company, because, despite the possession of 43 percent of the club, he will only have a quarter of the voting rights, together with chairman Steve Parish, and American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Blitzer's ownership of Danish club Brondby was another potential bottleneck if Palace was 'relegated' to the Europa League to the Europa Conference.
Lyon now reported debts of approximately € 500 million (£ 418 million) last year. Textor, however, demonstrated that the financial state had improved before Lyon stood in front of the DNGC.
The relegation of the club, which was against Manchester United in the Europa League quart finals last season, means that former Premier League stars can be in the second level next season.
Former United and Chelsea Man Nemanja Matic is in the books of the club, as well as ex-Arsenaal Duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexandre Lacazette.
They are seven -time Ligue 1 champions, who win the competition for the last time in 2008 – their seventh domestic title in a row.