New twist in the Saïd Benrahma case. He could ultimately join Lyon. His transfer was initially invalidated because West Ham had not resolved the final administrative details in time. The Rhône club decided to take legal action to validate the arrival of the Algerian striker and he would have been accepted by FIFA, according to the club’s general director, Laurent Prud’homme.
“I have just received a message from FIFA,” he declared at a press conference on Friday. Normally, this is accepted. » The Hammers also failed to fulfill their obligations in the transfer of Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals to Real Betis. The English were unable to send the administrative documents on time due to a computer problem. A reason which could justify the appeal initiated by Lyon.
i️ The reasons for the failure of Saïd Benrahma’s transfer.
All the information ⤵️
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 2, 2024
“I think there is a little legal hiccup to resolve,” Pierre Sage, the Lyon coach, had expressed a little earlier. Afterwards, I don’t know if there are already precedents for this type of situation, but our idea is to defend to the end the possibility of him joining us. At the same time, we really want him to come as we said he would, and he also really wants to come. »
“We asked ourselves questions”
The player was quite upset when he learned that he would not be able to join OL. Present on site, his relatives were just as disconcerted. “I am very disappointed for him because, having spoken to him on the phone Thursday evening, he was very enthusiastic,” said Pierre Sage.
The Lyon captain, Alexandre Lacazette, also showed his dismay: “There was astonishment. We were expecting when we went to bed last night to see him in training this morning. And finally, we saw that he wasn’t there, so we asked ourselves questions. »
Despite everything, OL managed to register the signing of Orel Mangala on Thursday, during the last day of the transfer window. The 25-year-old Belgian international will however not be able to take part in the Marseille reception on Sunday, since he will not qualify.
