Antoine Kombouaré Keeps Tight-Lipped on RC Lens Owner Amid Recruitment Uncertainty
RC Lens coach Antoine Kombouaré maintained a cautious stance when addressing questions about the club’s co-owner, Hafiz Mammadov, during a press briefing on Thursday morning. The comments come amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club’s recruitment plans.
Asked specifically about Mammadov’s involvement and the club’s financial situation, Kombouaré chose diplomacy, replying simply: “Hafiz Mammadov? No news is good news.”
This understated response highlights the delicate situation at Lens, where the club is still awaiting crucial financial guarantees. Kombouaré and the club management remain hopeful as they wait for a €4 million payment from Mammadov — a condition required by the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog, to grant Lens permission to engage in transfer activities.
The delay has left Lens in a precarious position regarding their ability to reinforce the squad, a significant concern as the transfer window progresses. Kombouaré’s guarded remarks reflect both the ongoing challenges and his desire to avoid escalating tensions publicly.
The coach’s cautious approach signals an awareness of the sensitivity surrounding the club’s finances and ownership dynamics, as well as a hope that the situation will soon be resolved to allow Lens to strengthen their team.
