Lyon’s iconic president Jean-Michel Aulas is stepping down just after approximately 36 many years in cost of the French club, handing over duties to American trader John Textor, who became the main shareholder last yr.
Lyon received seven league titles under Aulas’ tenure, although the women’s workforce recognized itself as a important European pressure.
The 74-year-old Aulas was initially established to continue to be in his posture for three more several years next Textor’s takeover in December.
But the club issued a assertion on Monday expressing he will in its place provide as honorary chairman from now on, with Textor appointed as chief executive officer of OL Group.
Textor’s Eagle Soccer obtained a stake of 77.49 for every cent in the club, pledging to provide a capital enhance of 86 million euros (£75m).
Lyon’s legendary president Jean-Michel Aulas has stepped down right after nearly 36 many years in the put up
American investor John Textor will choose above as Lyon’s chief government officer
The American businessman designed his fortune in electronic media. He also has stakes in Crystal Palace, Belgian second-division club RWD Molenbeek, and Brazilian team Botafogo.
Aulas took around Lyon back again in 1987, when the club was in debt and performed in the next tier of French soccer.
By creating astute player signings and developing one particular of the most renowned youth academies in Europe, Aulas grew the club into a fiscally prosperous entity possessing its 59,000-seat stadium.
Lyon’s operate of titles from 2001-08 designed it the powerhouse of French soccer as gamers like Genuine Madrid good Karim Benzema emerged from its academy.
Other folks like totally free-scoring Brazil midfielder Juninho and Ghana’s ball-profitable Michael Essien made their title at the club at the time.
On the European stage, Lyon two times arrived at the Champions League semi-finals. In distinction, Lyon’s women’s group turned the dominant power in Europe, successful a file eight Champions League titles.
‘OL Team sincerely thanks Mr. Jean-Michel Aulas for his commitment and unreserved perseverance to Olympique Lyonnais for far more than 3 many years, for the duration of which equally the men’s and women’s groups gained far more than 50 titles,’ Lyon said.
Aulas led Lyon to an unprecedented spell of results, which includes seven straight Ligue 1 titles
The president is pictured with manager Gerard Houllier and the Ligue 1 trophy in 2007
Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg, who gained the 2018 women’s Ballon d’Or, paid out tribute to Aulas in a concept on Twitter.
‘Thank you Jean-Michel. Thank you very, quite much,’ she wrote.
In the yrs given that the past title in 2008, Lyon’s men’s workforce has light as Paris Saint-Germain imposed its dominance beneath its dollars-rich Qatari possession. Given that QSI’s takeover in June 2011, PSG has gained 8 titles and Lyon has concluded runner-up only two times.
Soon after Bordeaux finished Lyon’s operate in 2009, the club’s fortunes dipped – in spite of a steady movement of young expertise.
The club completed in a dismal eighth area past period and 25 points at the rear of PSG. 10 league losses and 51 aims conceded – the most goals permitted by any club in the top 10 – manufactured for grim stats.
Below coach Laurent Blanc, the club has been heading by way of one more mediocre campaign and is struggling to qualify for European competition subsequent year, standing seventh with 4 games remaining to perform in the French league.
Less than Aulas, Lyon grew to become a powerhouse in the women’s game, with a number of triumphs in the Champions League
In accordance to L’Equipe newspaper, which broke the information of Aulas’ departure, tensions amongst Textor and the Lyon president have mounted lately, with the new house owners established to adjust the the club’s sporting construction.
‘The priority of the new Chairman and CEO and the Board of Administrators will be to strengthen Olympique Lyonnais’ place on the entire world soccer stage, in line with the greatest ambitions of its illustrious history,’ the club said.
L’Equipe noted that Aulas, who still owns nine per cent percent of the club by means of his keeping company Holnest, will receive an exit compensation of 10 million euros (£8.72m).