The National Management and Financial Control Directorate (DNCG) has finalized its financial regulations for the 2026-2027 Ligue 1 campaign, with two prominent clubs facing strict oversight. Marseille and Lyon have been placed under salary and transfer fee caps as the governing body intensifies its scrutiny of French football’s economic practices.
For Olympique de Marseille, the restrictions include a strict cap on both player salaries and transfer-related compensation. This decision follows months of financial instability, exacerbated by a challenging 2025-2026 season. Marseille had previously been subjected to similar measures in 2021 and 2023, reflecting persistent concerns about its fiscal discipline. The club’s financial fragility has been further compounded by a recent €10 million fine imposed by European football’s governing body for breaches of financial fair play regulations.
Lyon, meanwhile, faces its own set of constraints. The DNCG has imposed a salary cap tied to the club’s revised budget following a shift in ownership. Michele Kang, the new majority shareholder, confirmed the club’s continued participation in Ligue 1 during a press briefing. The financial adjustments come as Lyon seeks to stabilize its operations amid a period of transition.
The DNCG’s intervention underscores its commitment to enforcing financial prudence across French football. Both clubs will be required to adhere to these measures throughout the upcoming season, with no deviations permitted. The decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ligue 1 teams in balancing competitive ambitions with fiscal responsibility.
