‘Who will be interested in the French league?’ – Lyon owner John Textor critical of PSG dominance

Speaking at an event, organised by the Financial Times, Olympique Lyonnais owner John Textor has criticised Paris Saint-Germain’s dominance of Ligue 1.

Since Qatari Sports Investment (QSI) bought PSG, the club have won the Ligue 1 title on nine occasions. Only two other teams (AS Monaco in 2016/17 and Lille OSC 2020/21) have won France’s top-flight in that time. However, Textor, who arrived as Lyon owner in December 2022, believes that PSG’s dominance is not for the betterment of French football.

“Who will be interested in the French league and watch it on the TV if you know who is going to win,” said Textor at an event on business in football in London.

The American added, “Everyone fights for second place. It’s the same team that wins it every year.” Textor then revealed that PSG’s dominance is a subject that he has in fact evoked with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

“Other clubs are in competition with a government, not with a private business. I have told Nasser in private, and sometimes in public: ‘Is anyone having fun? Why do you like that,” said Textor, who is unhappy at how the comments have been relayed in the French media. The American believes that taking the quotes from the “broad discussion” is “misleading“.

After a difficult start to the season, Les Gones are revitalised under Pierre Sage. Having taken themselves out of the relegation conversation, Lyon are also in the semi-final of the Coupe de France and what could have been a disastrous season, could end in a trophy.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle