Olympique Lyonnais to remain in Ligue 1 after appeal

French club Lyon won its appeal against relegation on Wednesday and will stay in Ligue 1 next season, Report informs via AP.

The seven-time French champion was relegated to the second tier two weeks ago by the French league’s soccer watchdog, known as DNCG, because of ongoing financial irregularities and debts estimated at 175 million euros ($203 million).

Lyon immediately appealed and presented its case before the DNCG on Wednesday.

“Olympique Lyonnais welcomes today’s decision by the DNCG to keep the club in Ligue 1,” Lyon said in a statement. “(Lyon) thanks the appeals committee for recognizing the ambition of the club’s new management, (which is) determined to ensure serious management in the future.”

Last Wednesday, American businesswoman Michele Kangtook over as president after John Textor resigned following the club’s relegation.