John Textor has resigned from his leadership roles at Lyon, teasing involvement with a new club in England after selling his stake in Crystal Palace last week.

Textor – who remains chair, CEO and majority owner of Eagle Football Holdings – has confirmed he is stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities at the French club, who were relegated to Ligue 2, with Michael Gerlinger appointed to the position of CEO and Michele Kang to the position of chair and president.

In a statement, Textor said he will now be focused on his other clubs, including Botafogo and Daring Brussels, while teasing involvement with another club in England.

Textor said: “I am extremely proud of the global sporting successes of Eagle Football, with historic championships, cup wins, and tournament qualifications in Brazil, France and England, but it’s clear that we must make changes in our management approach, if we expect to be as effective off the pitch, as we are on the pitch.”

Regarding Olympique Lyonnais, he added: “Each of our clubs and communities deserve leadership, with a strong local presence, and the acumen to overcome both the sporting and the non-sporting challenges that we face. It’s obvious to everyone that Michele is a perfect choice to lead OL, and I am thrilled for our community that she has accepted the job.”

He continued: “On a personal level, I am truly looking forward to the reduction of my day-to-day management responsibilities in Europe, so I can focus on markets where we have the full freedom to run our football clubs…to invest, innovate, grow and compete. OL in great hands with Michele, and I will focus on Botafogo, Daring Brussels and our next club in England.”

More to follow.