John Textor lawsuit against Olympique Lyonnais

In late July 2026 the dispute between former Olympique Lyonnais president John Textor and the club’s new owners escalated across two jurisdictions. On 21 July Textor filed a U.S. federal suit in Florida seeking more than $400 million, accusing Michele Kang’s consortium of conspiring to strip him of control, misusing corporate assets and falsifying accounts.

A week later, on 31 July, Textor opened a parallel action before the Lyon Tribunal of Economic Activities, demanding over €20 million. The claim breaks down into €2.5 million for alleged unpaid management fees and €18.4 million (interest‑adjusted) for a short‑term loan advance. A hearing is set for September 2026. Textor, who led the club from 2023‑2025, alleges that Kang’s group, operating through EFG, deliberately seized control after the transition from former owner Jean‑Michel Aulas. Olympique Lyonnais dismissed the filing as a “judicial guerrilla,” lodged its own complaint alleging abuse of corporate assets during Textor’s tenure, and filed a criminal complaint covering alleged misconduct from 2023‑2025. Both parties have signalled readiness for a protracted, multi‑jurisdictional legal battle that could affect governance and financial arrangements across Textor‑linked multi‑club investment vehicles.