“Contrary to what has been written, all the people who work at the club are paid on time. There are no delays in payments. The financial situation of the club is delicate but it is the case for several months or even seasons. We are discussing development plans with our suppliers and asking them to be flexible. But, as I speak to you, the Standard is not on the verge of bankruptcy. “
How the Ultras and the PHK prepared the blockage at Standard
Friday afternoon, the Ultras Inferno and the PHK, the two Ultras groups of Standard, had called for a blockade at the academy, from where the players’ bus was to leave for Sclessin. An action which led to the cancellation of the match against Westerlo because the players were never able to arrive at the stadium.
“We had a lot of contact with the supporters during the day and we tried to convince them to let the match play. As expected, a group came to block the players’ exit. There was a form of dialogue and everything took place calmly and with respect Unfortunately, the discussions did not help to resolve the situation. I can understand the frustration, the irritation and the fed up of the supporters. more than complicated and the news of the last few days has caused concern and added to this frustration Personally, I do not think it was the right action especially since it is the club which comes out weakened and weakened. not the shareholders, I find that a shame.”
Canceled match between Standard and Westerlo: the Liège club comes out of silence
Standard is currently going through an unprecedented financial crisis and supporters are demanding the departure of American owners 777 Partners who bought the club in April 2022. The American company is currently the subject of numerous legal proceedings in the United States.
“Unfortunately, I cannot comment on matters which concern 777 Partners but I try to be as clear as possible regarding the club. Standard is impacted by a situation which concerns 777 Partners which is its shareholder. This situation is vague and cannot be clarified at the moment for a whole series of reasons that I myself do not fully understand. One thing is certain, Standard will still be in D1A next season and we will see if there will be a change. at the shareholder level.”
On Friday, The Financial Times reported that 777 Partners has called in a corporate restructuring company and that the American group is expected to end its football activities and sell Standard. “The heart of Standard is Liège,” added Locht. “We must rediscover this Standard identity whether through the shareholders, the people who work for the club or the players. The most important thing is to preserve the club in this complicated situation and to replenish reliable people at all levels of the club “There is still some uncertainty that needs to be clarified today and that is the first step of the new Standard.”
Canceled match between Standard and Westerlo: no forfeit yet confirmed and… financial sanctions?
Beyond a financial crisis, the number 16 is also going through a sporting crisis with a narrow survival and no victory in seven playoff matches. “There is a form of sporting bankruptcy, we cannot deny it. We are all responsible, we must not just point the finger at the bad Americans. We must redefine a project as quickly as possible but we need clarity at the level of shareholding and we are pushing to have it. We must redefine a project to be competitive next season. This will require investments if we want to have a level of ambition worthy of this club. , rectify the situation and hope to make this stadium vibrate again so that this club returns to its rightful rank.”
If he “regrets” the action organized this Friday, Pierre Locht wanted to emphasize the patience of his supporters. “They wanted to believe in the project. There was quality dialogue for many months with them and today (Friday, editor’s note), it boiled over. We know that this can happen to Standard when problems arise. accumulate. We work, we move forward and Standard will continue to live. The leaders, players and coaches pass but the club remains,” he concluded.
2024-05-11 06:02:00
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