Tuesday, between fifteen and twenty representatives of the National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) searched the LFP, the premises of the CVC investment fund, and the home of Vincent Labrune in Bouches-du-Rhône, reports The Team. The daily recalls that a complaint was filed at the end of 2023 by a small anti-corruption association, which wondered how the LFP could definitively transfer the commercial rights to French football, when it was only a public service sub-delegate. The file caught the attention of the PNF.
The Team recalls the conclusion of the hearings carried out by the senators, who questioned the unlimited duration of the partnership, and also their suspicions concerning the leaders of the LFP, who would have had “objectively a personal interest in choosing to use a solution based 100% on raising capital, taking into account the significant bonuses they received following the success of the operation”. The PNF's preliminary investigation would thus have been extended to acts of active and passive corruption, and especially illegal taking of interest. Did Vincent Labrune have an interest in promoting the venture capital solution? asks the media. If so, he risks a lot.
The newspaper also specifies that an envelope of 37.5 million euros had been planned for operation costs, to remunerate the actors who took part in the deal (the Darrois law firm, the Lazard and Centerview banks). However, the latter would have given up part of the envelope to pay 8.5 million bonuses to leaders of the League. A decision that raises questions. Vincent Labrune ensures that he has had it validated by the board of directors of the LFP.
The LFP specifies, for its part, that it cooperates with the justice system, “guided by a deep commitment to French football, in full respect of the rules in force”.
