OLYMPIQUE Lyon are to appeal to Uefa after accusing West Ham of dragging their feet as a deadline day deal to sign Algerian midfielder Said Benrahma dramatically collapsed.
Benrahma was set to join Lyon, who are currently battling against relegation, for the remainder of the season on loan with an obligation to buy for £15m at the end of the season.
But after the transfer fell through, the French side released an official statement and appeal to FIFA,
The statement said: “Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Said Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalize his transfer from West Ham. The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained approval to allow the transfer to take place smoothly and transparently.
“However, at the start of the evening, while Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on the dedicated FIFA platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched the slightest technical procedure on its part, despite the repeated reminders from the OL and continuous mutual telephone communication.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the institution and the player.”
West Ham responded to the situation with a statement of their own, “West Ham United can confirm that the Deadline Day deal for Said Benrahma to join Olympique Lyonnais was not concluded ahead of the deadline, with a deal unable to be completed before 11pm.”
West Ham’s transfer deadline troubles don’t end here, as LaLiga side Real Betis are still waiting for confirmation concerning their £7m purchase of midfielder Pablo Fornals.
Both clubs believe that the right documentation has been sent and processed on time but an official decision will be made today.
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