Lyon/Betis accuse Hammers after transfer collapses

Lyon/Betis accuse Hammers after transfer collapses

Both Lyon and Real Betis have released public statements following the collapse of outbound transfers of Pablo Fornals and Said Benrhama before the 11pm deadline WRITES SEAN WHETSTONE.

Lyon/Betis accuse Hammers after transfer collapses

Both clubs claim that West Ham failed to enter details in FIFA’s Transfer MatchinG System portal before midnight last night despite all other paperwork being completed.

Lyon released a strongly worded statement accusing“incomprehensible behaviour” and “lack of respect” 

Lyon/Betis accuse Hammers after transfer collapses

Their statement read: “On February 2, Olympique Lyonnais strongly regret the failure of the transfer of Saïd Benrahma, for reasons beyond our control, and question the behaviour of West Ham, who failed to finalise the required administrative procedures despite all the agreements concluded.

Lyon/Betis accuse Hammers after transfer collapses

Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Saïd Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalise his transfer from West Ham. The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained the approval of the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place in a fluid and transparent manner.

However, in the early evening, when Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on FIFA’s dedicated platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched any technical procedure on their part, despite OL’s repeated reminders and continuous mutual telephone communication.

In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behaviour, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time.

Olympique Lyonnais deeply regret this situation and this decision, demonstrating a deep lack of respect on the part of West Ham for the Institution and the player.

The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the operation later, and to hold West Ham accountable if necessary.”

Real Betis CEO has also spoken publicly Ramón Alarcón explaining there was a problem in formalizing the signing of Pablo Fornals. The documents were sent but a West Ham computer problem had stopped everything. Now it’s the lawyers’ job to look at it, he added.

“West Ham United can confirm that the Deadline Day deal for Saïd Benrahma to join Olympique Lyonnais was not concluded ahead of the deadline, with a deal unable to be completed before 11pm.”