It’s a significant disappointment for all supporters of RC Lens (L2) as the club received written notice on Tuesday that it has been relegated to the National Championship by the DNCG (National Directorate of Management Control), the financial watchdog of French football. The DNCG expressed concerns about the club’s financial visibility for the future.
Both Gervais Martel and Hafiz Mammadov, the Azeri businessman set to become future owners from July 5, were unable to represent RC Lens to the satisfaction of the DNCG. In response, the Artesian club swiftly appealed this decision, and a new hearing is scheduled for July 4.
During this next meeting, the DNCG will hear from the new shareholders, who are expected to present their financial guarantees, including a capital increase of over €10 million and a contribution to the current account, as well as their budget amounting to around €30 million. There is optimism that the file will be approved, allowing Lens to maintain its place in Ligue 2.
Antoine Kombouaré, who was recently appointed as coach, and the club’s supporters are hoping for a positive outcome in the upcoming proceedings.
