OL: an investor already wants to jump ship

According to information from L’Équipe, an OL co-investor already wants to pack his bags. The company Iconic, shareholder of Eagle Football, wishes to recover its contribution of 75 million euros paid to participate in the finalization of the takeover of the Rhone club. In December 2022, Iconic Sports acquired 19% of Eagle Football for this sum of 75 million euros. This allowed Lyon owner John Textor to complete the takeover of the club by acquiring 78% of the capital. He has held 87% since last August.

The reasons for the departure desired by Iconic would be linked to “an agreement between the two partners which would not have been honored”. This would be linked to the possible failure of Eagle's non-IPO through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

This bad news comes in an already extremely delicate context for OL. The Lyon club is currently last in Ligue 1 after its new defeat at Reims (2-0) on Sunday. In the process, John Textor published a new press release aimed at the supporters to try to reassure them, while providing his support to coach Fabio Grosso. He also promised supporters a very active transfer window in January, affirming that he will be freed from the constraints of the DNCG.

“As you know, in January, we will have no limits in terms of governance on our ability to strengthen the team,” he promised. Rest assured that I will never allow this club to lose its prestige. Enough to perhaps give a little hope to the Lyon supporters.