FIFA has launched an investigation into West Ham United’s handling of two failed transfer deals on deadline day,
Ligue 1 club Lyon and La Liga outfit Real Betis have accused the English club of administrative blunders, according to the Daily Mail.
The drama unfolded as Lyon prepared to broadcast Said Benrahma signing his contract live on television.
The deal had been in the works for days, and West Ham even rejected a loan proposal from Fulham.
However, the £15 million deal dramatically collapsed at the eleventh hour due to alleged mishandled paperwork.
Lyon were angered by the situation and released a scathing statement claiming West Ham exhibited ‘a deep lack of respect’ towards the club and Benrahma.
The former Brentford attacker had already undergone a medical in France.
West Ham manager David Moyes downplayed the accusations before offering an ambiguous response on Benrahma’s future with the club.
Meanwhile, Betis expressed cautious optimism regarding their proposed £6.8 million deal for Pablo Fornals. They blamed the failure on a computer problem on West Ham’s end.
The Hammers felt they were at a disadvantage having to play a game on deadline day against Bournemouth, believing their resources were stretched.
Both aggrieved clubs want FIFA to intervene, seeking clarity on the botched transfers.
There have been whispers that West Ham intentionally delayed the paperwork after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth exposed a glaring need for a left winger.
However, these remain unconfirmed theories. The transfer window has closed, and an official investigation is underway.
This deadline-day debacle has left Lyon and Betis seething after expending time and resources to get the deal over the line.
