A new investigative book titled Dans la gueule du loup (In the Wolf’s Jaws), written by Thomas Rabino and Fabien Touati, brings to light allegations of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse within French football training centers. Scheduled for release on September 30 by publisher Flammarion, the work documents a history of misconduct, focusing in its first section on the actions of Eric Olhats, a former formateur, recruiter and executive.
The Career and Criminal Record of Eric Olhats
Eric Olhats, 63, maintained a long career in football, working as a formateur, recruiter, and executive, primarily in his home region of the French Basque Country. He gained industry prominence in the early 2000s for his role in identifying and recommending Antoine Griezmann to the Spanish professional club Real Sociedad, a move that helped launch the career of the future French national team star.
However, Olhats’ career has been marked by multiple legal proceedings. Since 1990, he has faced several investigations and convictions related to sexual assault against minors. In 2025, he was sentenced to six years in prison for such offenses. According to the investigation by Rabino and Touati, Olhats did not appeal the 2025 conviction. Throughout these legal processes, he has consistently denied the allegations and did not provide a response to the authors of the book regarding their findings.
Patterns of Abuse in Youth Football Camps
The investigation details how Olhats allegedly utilized his position of authority to target young players. A significant portion of the book examines his activities at a football-focused vacation camp in Soulac-sur-Mer, Gironde. Olhats had served as a monitor at this facility every summer since 1986.
The camp, which spans five hectares between the ocean and a pine forest, was established in 1967 by Christian Fétis, who served as a regional technical advisor for the Ligue d’Aquitaine beginning in 1965. The facility typically hosted between 30 and 40 young participants during its summer sessions.
Investigative Scope and Publication
The book Dans la gueule du loup is the result of a lengthy investigation into the history of these training environments and the specific conduct of individuals like Olhats. The publication is set to reach the public on September 30, following the completion of the authors’ extensive reporting on the subject.
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