Former Botafogo controller John Textor filed a lawsuit at the Lyon Commercial Court demanding € 20,9 milhões from Lyon for management costs and short-term advances, according to French sports newspaper L’Équipe. The legal action marks another escalation in the ongoing dispute between the American businessman and the French football club, which recently underwent ownership changes.
The € 20,9 milhões Claim and Management Costs
According to L’Équipe, Textor lodged the commercial court filing targeting Lyon over unpaid management expenses and short-term financial advances totaling € 20,9 milhões. The court action represents a direct financial confrontation between the club’s former leadership and its current administration following a shifting ownership landscape.
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Ownership Shift and the Eagle/Cork Gully Agreement
The financial dispute follows a significant governance shakeup at the French club. In June, Lyon reached an agreement with Eagle and Cork Gully that established Michele Kang as the new controller of the organization, altering the power dynamics previously managed by Textor.
The transition of control has sparked multiple legal fronts between the incoming administration and the former owner. While Textor pursues commercial claims in France, the legal friction extends across international jurisdictions involving separate civil and criminal complaints.
Lyon Responds to Judicial Guerrilla Tactics
Lyon issued a formal statement condemning the lawsuit, characterizing the commercial court filing as part of an ongoing “judicial guerrilla” campaign waged by their former manager over several months.
“The OL condemns this latest attempt at destabilization by its former manager and will respond through the appropriate legal channels (…) and will take all necessary measures to protect its interests,” the club stated in its official communication.
The club’s response underscores a widening chasm between current executives and Textor, who has launched his own legal retaliation in North America.
International Legal Battles in Florida and France
Beyond the Lyon Commercial Court filing, Textor has initiated legal action against Michele Kang in a Florida court, seeking at least US$ 400 milhões for defamation, fraudulent concealment, and conspiracy, among other allegations. On the defensive side, Lyon previously confirmed it filed a criminal complaint with the French public prosecutor’s office.
The prosecutor’s complaint targets hundreds of millions of euros in financial flows executed without justification during Textor’s tenure. French authorities have kept specific targets unnamed under judicial secrecy rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is John Textor claiming from Lyon?
According to L’Équipe, John Textor is demanding € 20,9 milhões for management costs and short-term advances through the Lyon Commercial Court.
Who is the current controller of Lyon?
Michele Kang became the new controller of Lyon following an agreement reached in June between the club and Eagle/Cork Gully.
What legal actions has John Textor filed against Michele Kang?
Textor filed a lawsuit in Florida seeking at least US$ 400 milhões for defamation, fraudulent concealment, and conspiracy.
Why did Lyon file a complaint with the French public prosecutor?
Lyon announced a criminal complaint regarding hundreds of millions of euros in financial flows executed without justification during Textor’s management period.
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