Thunderclap in Football at the end of the lake. Olympique de Genève (OG), one of the biggest urban clubs in the canton, finds itself homeless. On Monday, the City took away the right to use its Varembé facilities. An unprecedented decision. Twenty teams, including one which is seeking promotion to the 2nd inter league (the 5th Swiss level) and a junior movement bringing together 300 young people, are concerned.
The reason: very dubious accounts. As a reminder, the City already required them at the beginning of 2024, so that Internal Financial Control could analyze them. At the time, the club was suspected of using junior contributions to fund the flag team, which it had agreed not to do. The Municipality finally obtained the requested documents. Alas, after “a double financial and governance analysis, internal and external, the City notes that the OG association is no longer eligible for the granting of monetary and non-monetary subsidies”, explains Cédric Waelti, spokesperson for the Department municipal security and sports.
“We obviously regret this situation, but the problems noted are serious and in the past the association has already experienced significant difficulties. By equal treatment with other subsidized clubs which respect the existing legal framework, we are therefore obliged to act. On the basis of the regulation on municipal subsidies, the use of Varembé (valued at 80,000 francs) is therefore withdrawn from December. “This decision was validated by the Administrative Council,” specifies Cédric Waelti.
The president of OG, Khalid Chagna, said he was “surprised”. “We took over the club this year, we did a colossal job to pay off the debts of the old team.” He announced that he wanted to contest the City’s decision “by all means possible.” It is too early to outline possible solutions. Khalid Chagna first wants to understand the City’s reasons before adopting a battle plan.
The Cantonal Football Association (ACGF) intends to “give itself time to assess the situation”. Its president Pascal Chobaz emphasizes that the case is “really not trivial”, OG being “a leading club”. The priority is “at least to save the juniors”. Furthermore, the ACGF “is there to help, not to push down.” But he observes that finding another ground in Geneva will be “very difficult”, given the traffic jam of clubs. As for a possible base outside the City, “I don’t see which club could accommodate OG.”
A solution for juniors
The OG juniors are the priority of the City, which wants them to be able to continue playing in Varembé. A solution is emerging with the other club using these grounds, Interstar. Its president, Ömer Ibrahimof, confirms. “We will find a solution for these children. We are happy to collect them. There is nothing to fear, we will do our best.” The time slots exist: they are currently allocated to OG. The City has mandated someone to interface with parents, who are invited to contact the sports department by email.
