Lyon win relegation appeal

Olympique Lyonnais will play in Ligue 1 next season after the French side won their appeal against relegation

French football authorities demoted the seven-time champions into Ligue 2 last month because of their poor financial state.

A Lyon statement said: "Olympique Lyonnais welcomes the decision to keep the club in Ligue 1. OL thanks the appeal committee for having recognised the ambition of the club's new management, determined to ensure serious management in the future.

"Today's decision is the first step in restoring confidence in Olympique Lyonnais. We can now focus our attention on sporting goals, fully preparing for next season."

Olympique Lyonnais will now remain in the top tier of French football, and will compete in the UEFA Europa League for next season, but will have to balance their book, to avoid another problem next summer.