Last May, we left the OAC in full sporting descent into National 3. Since then, being one of the best tenths of National 2, the leaders have expressed their hope of an administrative draft, banking on the economic difficulties of certain teams. Their destiny becomes clearer day by day. But what is the reality within the club? How is it organized internally?
On the evening of May 11, at Pierre Pibarot, time seemed to have stood still. That evening, the OAC learned of its sporting relegation after a difficult season (read again ici), plunging the club into uncertainty about its future. However, in a spectacular and almost unexpected way, Alès has won a tenth place synonymous with a potential repechage. Two clubs have already been repechaged, and the OAC is now waiting its turn.
A long-awaited draft
Giving up so close to the goal would be a mistake. Of course, we must be patient, but there is still hope. A few days before the National Management Control Directorate (DNCG) closes its analysis of files, the latter yesterday downgraded Rouen to National 2 (N2). A decision that could be made worse if the club files for bankruptcy, which would result in a further downgrade and thus offer OAC the coveted place in N2. Rouen was to raise around 2.2 million euros, a sum provided by the buyer but not on the club’s account, which did not satisfy the DNCG. Liquidation, synonymous with a return to regional level, is now (strongly) being considered.
This week, Chamois Niortais and La Berrichonne de Châteauroux were sportingly demoted by the Professional Club Control Commission, but to N2, which does not benefit the situation of the Gard club. Particular attention is being paid to these two clubs, which will this time have to pass before the DNCG next Thursday – one of the two must raise several million euros in just a few days – and thus avoid, in turn, a relegation to the regional level. Rouen, which surprisingly appealed the decision, nevertheless remains the club most likely to offer Hakim Malek’s men the possibility of playing in the fourth division next season.
OAC this season against Paris FC in the Coupe de France. • Photo Sacha Virga
During this time ?
At the same time, the leaders of the OAC and the staff led by coach Hakim Malek did not remain inactive, despite their silence. At the end of this terrible season, a large number of players were asked to pack up and leave the Cévennes, often through the back door. No less than fifteen players, including captain Yann Djabou, Jérémy Iafrate, Diaguely Dabo, Daysam Ben Nasr and Brahim Mahamat, bid farewell to the club. To date, only four players, including Lucas Franco, remain officially under contract with the OAC. Internally, replacing these players is proving difficult, but various avenues have been and are being explored. Since the end of the season, many CVs have been flowing in and the club is observing several possibilities, awaiting the potential decision from the DNCG which could keep the OAC in N2. However, the current situation leaves some players uncertain about their future. Indeed, the club, without having fully committed itself, seems to favor recruitment oriented towards N3. A possible draft would radically alter the club’s plans and budgets.
This is particularly the case for Mickaël Fari. A former OAC player in his younger years, the tall striker – by size – from Bayonne was received by Jean-Marie Pasqualetti, the club’s sporting director, a few days ago. The beginning of July is approaching and the young player has still not received a concrete offer from the club. Him, like others. On the other hand, other offers are arriving simultaneously from other clubs who have already clarified their future and sometimes offer much more solid guarantees than those of the OAC, which is hanging on the decisions to come. Not to mention the players still under contract who could be increasingly hesitant about whether or not they want to stay at the club.
The will-o’-the-wisp Yassine Kich is still under contract with the OAC. • Photo Corentin Migoule
Training will resume on July 8, in which Fari and other players have been invited to participate to stay in shape. In the event of an administrative draft in N2, the recruitment process could be completely rethought. However, this does not mean that this hypothesis has not been evaluated, the coach and his sporting director both have a list of players who might interest them in the event of a draft. In conclusion, the situation is on hold, the transfer window too, but events could accelerate as early as next week, thus providing more clarity.
