Lyon and Marseille face DNCG penalties as finances crumble

Ligue 1 giants Lyon and Marseille have each received sanctions from the DNCG, France’s financial watchdog, after posting record losses exacerbated by the collapse of domestic broadcasting revenues. UEFA has already penalised Marseille, and both clubs now face wage‑bill and transfer‑monitoring restrictions.

UEFA’s earlier disciplinary action against Marseille added pressure on the club’s finances. The French side’s failure to secure direct entry into the UEFA Champions League group stage, only reaching the third qualifying round, weakened its budget presentation for the upcoming season.

Lyon’s recent season ended with qualification only for the third qualifying round of the Champions League, limiting potential revenue. This shortfall contributed to the club’s inability to balance its projected budget without further measures.

To address the deficit, Lyon have begun offloading assets, confirming the sale of Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen for €32 million. The transfer represents the club’s first major move to reduce its wage bill.

Marseille, meanwhile, are seeking to offload Mason Greenwood as part of their cost‑cutting strategy. The English forward’s departure is being pursued to help the French club meet DNCG requirements.

The DNCG’s sanctions require Lyon to place their wage‑bill under strict management following a recent change in club ownership. Marseille received a comparable sanction, coupled with ongoing monitoring of their transfer activity to ensure compliance.