Fabien Barthez loses millions in alleged fraud by former Luzenac president
Former France and Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was allegedly defrauded of several million euros by Jérôme Ducros, the former president of French club Luzenac, according to reports from La Dépêche. Ducros is the subject of an investigation for misuse of corporate assets and fraud and has been taken into police custody. This follows a civil procedure initiated in 2021, with the Toulouse Court of Appeal ordering the sale of a house owned by Ducros this Monday to settle his debts.
Barthez, who had a brief tenure as Luzenac's general manager, entrusted millions of euros to Ducros for several real estate projects that never materialized. The former goalkeeper had expressed his dismay in a 2020 interview with RMC, stating, "Jérôme Ducros was a person in whom I had complete trust, and some not very healthy things happened." According to the reports, Barthez is not the only high-profile victim, with other French sports stars like former rugby captain Thierry Dusautoir also said to have been involved in the failed ventures.
Despite a conviction against Ducros in 2021, Barthez has reportedly still not recovered the two million euros he invested. The case casts a shadow over Barthez's post-playing involvement with Luzenac, a small Pyrenean club that famously earned promotion to Ligue 2 in 2014 only to be denied a license due to stadium regulations. Barthez's financial backing was part of an ambitious period for the club that ultimately ended in administrative and sporting disappointment.
The legal proceedings continue as authorities seek to untangle the financial mismanagement. For Barthez, a World Cup and European Championship winner revered for his on-pitch charisma, the episode represents a significant personal and financial setback long after his retirement from professional football. The outcome of the asset seizure ordered by the court will be a critical next step in the former star's efforts to recoup his losses.
