RC Lens in Financial Turmoil: Gervais Martel Seeks Lifeline in Azerbaijan
RC Lens is in dire financial straits, with empty coffers and mounting uncertainty surrounding its future. With the club’s financial survival at stake, president Gervais Martel has taken matters into his own hands — traveling to Azerbaijan in a bid to secure desperately needed funds from club investor Hafiz Mammadov.
🔄 The Mammadov Delay
Despite previous promises, Hafiz Mammadov — the Azerbaijani businessman and majority stakeholder — has not yet transferred the expected funds to stabilize the club. The delays have left Lens vulnerable, with unpaid bills and budget shortfalls casting a shadow over the club’s Ligue 1 season.
🇫🇷🤝🇦🇿 Presidential Involvement
In a remarkable twist, French President François Hollande is said to have raised the issue with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. According to La Voix du Nord, Hollande used diplomatic channels during talks with Aliyev to encourage Mammadov to fulfill his financial commitments to the French club.
⚠️ Club Survival at Stake
Lens, currently coached by Antoine Kombouaré, risks sanctions from French football authorities, including possible relegation, if its financial situation isn’t rectified soon. The DNCG (France’s financial watchdog for professional clubs) is closely monitoring the case.
🛑 What’s Next?
If Gervais Martel’s mission fails, RC Lens may face administrative consequences — including transfer bans or even demotion. All eyes are now on Mammadov to see whether he’ll come through and rescue the historic club from financial collapse.
🔍 A club with proud traditions now awaits salvation from a boardroom negotiation 5,000 kilometers away.
