Jean Michel Aulas steps down as Olympique Lyon president after 36 years

After more than 30 years at the club, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) announced the departure of Jean-Michel Aulas from his position as CEO of OL Groupe.

The emblematic president of the football club in Lyon had been a constant fixture in the UEFA Champions League and had led the team to seven consecutive French championship titles from 2002 to 2008, as well as winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2001 and the Coupe de France in 2008 and 2012.

The departure comes after the takeover of the club by American John Textor, who has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors and general manager of OL Groupe on an interim basis.

Jean-Michel Aulas will become honorary president, following disagreements on sports policy with the American investor’s team.