Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals are both still West Ham United players, for now, after their moves away from the club failed to go through.
Both players had agreed their respective moves to Lyon and Real Betis on Thursday. Benrahma had agreed a loan with a view to a permanent worth around £18million, whilst Fornals was set to signed for Betis on a permanent deal valued at £8million.
However, as the window slammed shut on Thursday evening, neither deal was complete and it emerged from both camps in France and Spain – that something had gone wrong at the West Ham end.
Sources have confirmed to HITC that The Hammers did not put through the deals FIFA’s Transfer Matching System in time – which meant neither deal went through.
Lyon anger
Lyon have confirmed they plan to appeal to FIFA, whilst Real Betis are also working to get the deal pushed through post-window – but it remains to be seen if either will be successful and both were quick to put the blame at West Ham’s door.
Lyon issued a statement via their website confirming their unhappiness with the situation: “Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Saïd Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalise his transfer from West Ham. The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained the approval of the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place in a fluid and transparent manner.
“However, in the early evening, when Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on FIFA’s dedicated platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched any technical procedure on their part, despite OL’s repeated reminders and continuous mutual telephone communication.
“In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behaviour, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time.
“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regret this situation and this decision, demonstrating a deep lack of respect on the part of West Ham for the Institution and the player. The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the operation later, and to hold West Ham accountable if necessary.”
Betis hope
Likewise, Real Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon said they are working on getting Fornals over-the-line.
He told 101 TV: “There is a last minute incident with Fornals that we believe is a computer incident that we have been working on to be able to fix it.
“Betis gave all the documents in a timely manner and West Ham seems to have had a problem in their computer tool, not only in the case of Betis but in others, and we hope that it will be resolved in the next few days, tomorrow or the day after.
“The contract is done in a timely manner, the substance of the matter is done, we understand that it is a computer error and we believe it will be resolved. We are optimistic, but cautious.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
