Olympique Lyon have revealed the reason for the failed Deadline Day transfer of Said Benrahma from West Ham United.
The Algeria international was on the verge of securing a loan move to the Groupama Stadium with the obligation option to buy for a reported £15 million at the end of the season.
The deal however collapsed meaning it could not be completed before the deadline time of 11PM GMT.
Lyon released a statement stressing that West Ham failed to enter the necessary details on the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS). The French giants also stated that the Hammers show disrespect towards them and Benrahma himself.
“Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Said Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalize his transfer from West Ham. The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained approval from the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place smoothly and transparently,” read the statement on the club website.
“However, at the start of the evening, while Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on the dedicated FIFA platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched the slightest technical procedure on its part, despite the repeated reminders from the OL and continuous mutual telephone communication.
“In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behavior, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the Institution and the player.
“The club reserves the right to undertake all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the transaction at a later date, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.”
ℹ️ Les raisons de l'échec du transfert de Saïd Benrahma.
Toutes les informations ⤵️
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) February 2, 2024
FIFA have since launched and investigation into the matter while Lyon hope the transfer will still go through if approved by the global governing body.
Benrahma’s failed transfer was a similar tale for Pablo Fornals who was set to complete a £6.8 million to Real Betis but the necessary paperwork did not go through in time.
