Riyad Mahrez’s 2018 transfer from Leicester City to Manchester City has sparked a criminal investigation in France, involving allegations of financial misconduct and disputed commissions.
The Le Havre prosecutor’s office has confirmed to L’Équipe the initiation of a judicial investigation, delving into the intricacies surrounding Mahrez’s move.
Mahrez, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia since July 2023, remains entangled in this unexpected legal battle years after leaving European football.
In the summer of 2014, Mahrez joined Leicester City from Le Havre AC (HAC). As part of the transfer agreement, HAC secured a 15% resale clause. Fast forward to July 2018, Mahrez transferred to Manchester City for a fee of €67.8 million, theoretically netting HAC over €10 million.
However, the situation took a complex turn in August when Guy Tolmarsh, a player agent and head of USMI Limited, demanded a commission of just over €1 million.
Tolmarsh, who was never officially Mahrez’s agent, claimed entitlement to the commission based on an agreement he presented, allegedly signed by former HAC president Jean-Pierre Louvel in January 2014.
This agreement purportedly granted Tolmarsh 10% of HAC’s share from Mahrez’s future resale, equating to the disputed €1 million.
Tolmarsh provided documentation and email exchanges with Louvel to justify his claim.
These documents purportedly demonstrate that Louvel had agreed to remunerate Tolmarsh for his role in “optimizing the compensation as well as all the bonuses and obtaining the 15% interest on a possible resale of the player.”
The legal probe seeks to clarify the legitimacy of Tolmarsh’s claims and the authenticity of the agreement.
This case highlights potential ethical and legal concerns surrounding player transfers and agent commissions, particularly when substantial sums are involved.
HAC, now entangled in this legal conundrum, faces scrutiny over its internal agreements and the actions of its former president.
The investigation will likely examine the procedural integrity of the club’s financial dealings during Mahrez’s transfer period.
This investigation could set a precedent for how football transfers are scrutinized, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight.
The football community will be closely watching the outcome, as it may influence future dealings and contractual transparency.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Riyad Mahrez’s high-profile transfer and the financial machinations behind the scenes.
With significant financial stakes and legal ramifications, this case underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls in the world of football transfers.
The outcome will not only affect the parties involved but may also reshape the landscape of player transfers and agent relations in professional football.
