Lyon take Ligue 1 appeal to Council of State A

Lyon will challenge decision to end Ligue 1 season early because of coronavirus pandemic before Council of State, France's highest administrative court, a club source told AFP. club criticised April 30 ruling made by French league (LFP) to declare season over following an anuncement by government that football could t restart because of health crisis. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas also wrote a letter Monday to France's prime minister and sports minister urging m to reconsider decision, with government expected to anunce next week a furr loosening of lockdown.

Lyon take Ligue 1 appeal to Council of State A

"Could we imagine that 2 June is also a great opportunity to rectify mistake concerning French football and to allow, with a health protocol used everywhere, a gradual resumption of training and, why t, a resumption of 2019-20 season over months of July or August?" Aulas said.

Lyon, who have reached this season's Champions League last 16, were left seventh in standings and outside European qualification places when season was halted. An administrative court in Paris has already rejected an appeal from club. judge of Paris administrative court "has logically retained... that decisions taken by league's board of directors on April 30 could only be challenged before Council of State," LFP said in a statement on Friday.

Lyon took objection to LFP expressing satisfaction at decision, replying via a statement of ir own that " administrative tribunal did t rule on merits of case". "It in way changes nature and basis of action brought" by club, Lyon said, warning y would take matter to Council of State on Monday. Amiens, who are contesting ir relegation to Ligue 2 and whose initial appeal was also turned down last week by Paris court, indicated ir plans to turn to Council of State as well.