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471359.GRP.qxp_Layout 1 15/01/2017 19:13 Page 29 PRESIDENT OF THE LUXEMBOURG CLUB FOLA ESCH SINCE 2007, AN UNSUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR OM, GÉRARD LOPEZ TAKES OVER AS PRESIDENT OF LOSC. WHAT IF, FOR HIM, FOOTBALL WERE SIMPLY A BUSINESS LIKE ANY OTHER? Partners, a players’ agency based in Luxembourg. Three years ago, Ingla began discussions with the Nice management about acquiring OGC Nice. ‘We called a halt when we realised that the project was to trade players,’ says someone close to the matter. ‘Our counterparts were high-calibre people, but they wanted total control over the sporting side and were very tough in business.’ THE IDENTITY OF HIS INNER CIRCLE PROVIDES SOME RATHER REVEALING ANSWERS THE DNCG IS OPTIMISTIC. Nevertheless, the idea that Gérard Lopez might want to create a jointly owned group of European clubs to grow his player assets remains speculative. His name has indeed been mentioned in connection with a takeover of Hull City. But before making an offer, he must first pass an integrity test that the businessman has not requested from the Premier League. As for a possible takeover of the Portuguese club Gil Vicente, its president recently said that he was awaiting bank guarantees for a possible acquisition, but did not confirm the €6m offer made by Lopez. A statement is expected to be published this week. Last summer, this elegant and brilliant tycoon was the front-runner to acquire Olympique de Marseille and had the support of Margarita Louis-Dreyfus’s entourage. He was ultimately ruled out because MLD required a cash payment and had set her negotiating threshold at €40m. This Wednesday, Gérard Lopez will appear before the DNCG, the final stage before his takeover of Lille is made official. He will have to demonstrate his ability to provide various bank guarantees and to finance an investment plan for the coming years. The League says it is optimistic. In any event, it has neither the power to overturn a sale nor the resources to pursue its investigations further. ‘I am not coming into LOSC to make money,’ Lopez swore when interviewed by lequipe.fr. We would like nothing better than to believe him... ■ LAURENT ARGUEYROLLES/L’ÉQUIPE FF _ TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2017 _ 29