DThe American investment company Eagle Football Holding has taken over the seven-time French soccer champions Olympique Lyon. The top division club announced the deal, which is said to be worth more than 800 million euros, on Monday after six months of negotiations. “A new story begins today,” 57-year-old company boss John Textor was quoted as saying in a statement.
With the purchase, entrepreneur Textor expanded its international portfolio, which also includes the English Premier League club Crystal Palace, Botafogo from Brazil and the Belgian club RWD Molenbeek.
Lyon had won the title in France seven times in a row from 2002 to 2008, but recently lost touch with Paris St. Germain, which belongs to the Emirate of Qatar, and were unable to qualify for the Champions League for several seasons in a row. The women of OL, on the other hand, have won the championship in 15 of the last 16 seasons.
Lyon is also known for its excellent youth work. World footballer Karim Benzema, who missed the World Cup in Qatar due to an injury and then ended his career in the national team, comes from the club.
