The final whistle has blown on Roland Romeyer‘s official duties with AS Saint-Etienne. The former president of the storied French football club has been removed from his honorary positions following allegations of harassment and aggravated sexist offenses, according to a statement from ASSE (Ligue 2).
Romeyer, who served as Chairman of the management Board and was a co-owner alongside Bernard Caïzzo from 2006 untill the club’s recent sale to Canadian firm Kilmer Sports Ventures, held purely honorary roles as president of the Association of the Museum of Greens and the Coeur Green Foundation. The ASSE interaction service clarified these were non-executive positions.
Kilmer Sports Ventures, the new majority stakeholder, deemed the ongoing legal troubles of the 80-year-old former president incompatible with any continued portrayal of the club. This decision, first reported by the French sports daily L’Équipe, signals a clean break from past controversies as the new ownership group aims to steer the club forward.
Allegations Surface Amidst Ownership Change
The Saint-Etienne prosecutor’s office launched an investigation this past summer into allegations of “harassment and aggravated sexist outrage, exacerbated by a hierarchical link or minority status.” This probe was initiated after a formal complaint was filed against Mr. Romeyer.
Earlier this year, ASSE’s management commissioned an internal investigation to examine reports from employees concerning incidents that predated the club’s sale. This internal review likely played a role in the subsequent legal actions and the new ownership’s decision.
Before Romeyer’s tenure in these honorary roles, the Coeur Vert Association was led by Dominique Rocheteau, a legendary former striker (1971-1980) and manager (2010-2019). Currently, the Foundation is spearheaded by Lionel Potillon, a former defender for Les Verts (1994-2001) who now oversees the club’s Corporate Social Duty (CSR) initiatives.
Romeyer’s Lingering Ties to ASSE
The museum operations are managed by Philippe Gastal, the curator, and Laurent Chastellière, the executive manager.
An extraordinary general meeting for both the Association and the Foundation is scheduled to elect new presidents. these individuals will also hold positions on the board of directors for SASP Asse-Loire, the club’s professional entity.
While Roland Romeyer no longer benefits from perks such as a company car, he does retain a small, “non-significant” stake in ASSE, alongside other local investors. He does not hold a seat on the board of directors, marking a definitive shift in his relationship with the club he once led.
Key Figures and Roles: Timeline
To better understand the shifts within AS Saint-Etienne, here’s a table summarizing key figures and their roles throughout this transition:
| Role | Individual | Tenure / Involvement | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former President (Honorary Positions) | Roland Romeyer | Chairman of the management Board (2006 – sale), President of Association and Foundation (Honorary post) | Removed from honorary roles amidst allegations; retains a minor stake. |
| Co-Owner (Former) | Bernard Caïzzo | Co-owner with Romeyer (2006 – Sale of the club) | Previously co-owned along with Romeyer, now out of the picture. |
| Majority Stakeholder | Kilmer Sports Ventures | Majority Stakeholder | New ownership group steering the club. |
| Former Head of Coeur Vert Association | dominique Rocheteau | Legendary striker, manager (1971-1980); (2010-2019) | previously led the foundation. |
| Current Foundation Head | Lionel Potillon | Former Defender (1994-2001) | Oversees the club’s Corporate social Duty (CSR). |
This detailed timeline provides an easy-to-read overview of the key players and their positions within AS Saint-Etienne, illustrating the rapid changes and the club’s attempts to distance itself from recent controversies.
FAQ: AS Saint-Etienne and Roland Romeyer
We understand that recent events surrounding AS Saint-Etienne and Roland Romeyer have raised many questions. Here’s a extensive FAQ section to address common queries, providing clear, concise answers to keep fans informed.
What prompted Roland Romeyer’s removal?
Roland Romeyer was removed from his honorary positions due to allegations of “harassment and aggravated sexist offenses.” The new ownership,Kilmer Sports Ventures,deemed his ongoing legal troubles incompatible with the club’s image.
What roles did Romeyer actually hold?
Before his removal, Romeyer held honorary roles as President of the Association of the Museum of Greens and the Coeur Green Foundation. Previously, he served as Chairman of the management Board and was a co-owner since 2006.
Who is Kilmer Sports Ventures?
Kilmer Sports Ventures is the new majority stakeholder of AS Saint-Etienne, a Canadian firm that purchased the club. They are now in charge to move the club forward.
Will Romeyer remain involved with the club?
While no longer in an official management role, Romeyer retains a small, “non-significant” stake in ASSE. He does not have a seat on the board, indicating a considerably reduced influence.
What are the next steps for the Association and Foundation?
An extraordinary general meeting is scheduled to elect new presidents for both the Association of the Museum of Greens and the Coeur Green Foundation. These individuals will also hold positions on the board of directors for SASP Asse-Loire, the club’s professional entity, paving a fresh start.
Where can I find more details?
For further information, fans can follow the official ASSE channels and reputable French sports media outlets such as L’Équipe for the latest updates.
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