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French club Lyon still hopeful of signing Saïd Benrahma from West Ham

Fri, Feb 2, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

LYON, France (AP) - French club Lyon remains hopeful of signing Algeria winger Saïd Benrahma from Premier League West Ham, despite the deal falling through at the end of Thursday night's transfer window for administrative reasons.

Having appealed to FIFA, Lyon said soccer's governing body has accepted the required international transfer certificate.

"I've just received a message from FIFA" that the move has likely been accepted, Lyon's general director Laurent Prud'Homme said Friday at a news conference. "Our efforts are paying off. The FFF (French Football Federation) has made a request with the English federation, which has seven days to accept."

The two federations must validate the transfer for it to go through.

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In a statement overnight, Lyon accused West Ham of being disrespectful for not entering information online after the move collapsed due to computer-related admin issues.

Lyon said the London-based club had not done any of the required technical procedures on FIFA's designated platform, TMS - a system for international player transfers - despite repeated requests from Lyon to do so.

"In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behavior, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closure (of the transfer market)," Lyon said. "Lyon deeply regrets this situation and this decision, which shows a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham toward the institution (club) and the player."

The 28-year-old Benrahma joined West Ham in 2020 and has scored 24 goals in 146 appearances.

Struggling Lyon is 16th in the French league and hosts Marseille on Sunday.

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