RC Lens president Joseph Oughourlian has delivered a blistering critique of the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), the governing body of French professional football, in an interview with L’Équipe. Oughourlian accused the LFP of being rigid, out of touch with reality, and actively undermining the value of the French league.
The comments came as the French Senate adopted a bill aimed at reforming professional sport in the country. Oughourlian stated that he participated in the discussions at the request of deputies and senators, alongside other clubs like Olympique de Marseille, taking a “proactive” stance. He contrasted this with the LFP’s response, claiming they “completely froze, stiffened” and dismissed the reform efforts as worthless.
Oughourlian, who has overseen a period of success at RC Lens, indicated he has no desire to become further involved with the LFP. He believes the organization is self-sabotaging, citing their criticism of their own television channel, Ligue 1+, and their failure to promote the league effectively. He stated that a lack of self-respect prevents external parties from valuing the French game.
The businessman has been in a strained relationship with the LFP for some time, particularly following the postponement of a Ligue 1 match between RC Lens and Paris Saint-Germain last season to accommodate PSG’s European commitments. This latest outburst suggests a deepening rift between the club and the league’s leadership. Oughourlian’s comments are likely to fuel further debate about the governance and direction of French professional football.
In separate news, RC Lens have loaned a player, acquired for €6.5 million, to a club in Poland, though details regarding the player’s identity were not immediately available. Angelo Fulgini recently departed Lens to rejoin a club in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, reports suggest Maxence Lacroix is attracting interest from a leading Premier League club.
