Lyon, France – February 14, 2026 – Olympique Lyon is under mounting financial pressure as investment firm Ares Management demands immediate repayment of approximately $250 million (around €225 million) in outstanding loans from John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings, the club’s majority owner since the 2022 acquisition.
The debt, originally part of financing that enabled Textor’s purchase of the French club through a consortium involving Ares, remains unsettled. According to reports citing Bloomberg, failure to meet the repayment demand could activate clauses in the loan agreement, forcing either a compulsory sale of Olympique Lyon or allowing Ares to assume full control of the asset.
The Lyon-based club, already grappling with broader financial instability and challenges under the Eagle Football multi-club structure, now faces a critical period in the coming weeks. Textor disputes claims of covenant breaches, but the escalating dispute highlights ongoing tensions in unwinding one of Ares’ major sports investments.
Developments are expected soon as both sides navigate the high-stakes situation, with potential ramifications for the club’s ownership, operations, and future in Ligue 1.