Reims Challenges Lyon’s Use of Botafogo Loanee Almada in Ligue 1 Squad

Stade de Reims has initiated an appeal against Olympique Lyonnais for including Thiago Almada in their matchday squad for Ligue 1 matches. This move follows a similar action by Toulouse, making Reims the second club to contest Lyon’s use of the player.

The controversy stems from Lyon’s current transfer ban imposed by the DNCG, France’s football financial regulatory body. Despite this restriction, Lyon managed to acquire Almada on loan from Botafogo, a Brazilian club also owned by Eagle Football.

While the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and DNCG have approved Almada’s move, Reims argues that Lyon has improperly circumvented their transfer ban to strengthen their squad with the Argentine international midfielder.

The dispute highlights the complexities of football transfers and loan arrangements, especially when involving clubs under common ownership. As the appeal unfolds, it could have significant implications for how transfer bans are interpreted and enforced in French football.