Key Takeaways:
- Joseph Oughourlian revealed that RC Lens turned down a proposal from a “major” Premier League club regarding a multi-club ownership model
- Oughourlian strongly criticised Ligue 1’s governing body and its president, labelling the league as “extremely poorly managed”
- He explained his resignation from the LFP board over questionable decisions, including the postponement of a crucial fixture against PSG
Lens Rejects English Multi-Club Ownership Approach
RC Lens president and owner Joseph Oughourlian has shed light on recent developments surrounding the club’s future, confirming that a prominent Premier League side had made an approach related to multi-club ownership, similar to Chelsea’s arrangement with Strasbourg under BlueCo. Oughourlian, aged 54, firmly declined the offer, citing the importance of retaining the club’s identity and values. “We’re France, World Cup semi-finalists, the country that produces the most players in the world; we should aim for something other than being the Premier League’s B league.”
🚨🚨Joseph Oughourlian 🇫🇷, président du RC Lens, affirme que LE CLUB A ÉTÉ APPROCHÉ POUR ÊTRE LE CLUB SATELLITE D’UN CLUB ANGLAIS 🏴 (il a les idées claires sur ce sujet) 👇
« TOTALEMENT INENVISAGEABLE ! ❌ »
🗣️ « On a été approchés, mais ce n'est pas du tout l'hypothèse que je… pic.twitter.com/EMh6nNBUFX
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) July 21, 2026
Oughourlian’s Stance on Ligue 1 Governance
Oughourlian has emerged as a vocal critic of Ligue de Football Professionnel, the body overseeing Ligue 1, and its president Vincent Labrune, formerly of Marseille. He did not hold back in his assessment, stating: “The league is extremely poorly managed.”
Departure from LFP Board and Governance Concerns
The RC Lens owner offered detailed reasons for his decision to step down from the LFP board, referencing the organisation’s decision-making and questioning its priorities. Oughourlian cited the controversial postponement of Lens’ home match against title leaders PSG as a particular point of contention. “I can’t be on a board that rubber-stamps decisions that make absolutely no sense,” Oughourlian remarked, highlighting the league’s tendency to harm its own interests. He further added: “I have nothing to do with a league that’s shooting itself in the foot for who knows what. If you don’t respect yourselves, if you spend your time criticizing your own channel and do nothing for your product, you shouldn’t expect others to value it.”
Lens Prepares for Champions League Return
After a remarkable Ligue 1 campaign that saw Lens challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the title and secure their first-ever Coupe de France victory, the club is set for a return to Champions League football next season. German manager Dino Toppmöller will take charge following the departure of Pierre Sage, who has joined Crystal Palace.
