A stone’s throw from the end-of-year holidays, around fifty people took their place in the Bodard space this Wednesday, December 18. Under the leadership of Guy Fleurquin, the president of the Chamois Niortais association, and in the presence of Florence Villes, deputy for sports at the City, but also of Pascal Gastien, they were there for the convened general assembly. “This time, there will be no renewal of administrators since a change of governance is planned for January, perhaps in February,” he says by way of introduction, before unfolding the moral report.
“We took over the association on August 21, 2023 in a very delicate financial situation. We had to find all our historical partners to try to ask them for money. Which was done, since they followed us. And it’s thanks to that that we were able to cover expenses, particularly salaries and travel.”he continues, before mentioning the date of May 25, that of a “black day”with the announcement of the sale of the club.
A buyer chosen by the court
The rest is known: the fall of the club to R3, after multiple upheavals and procedures. “There was no more money in September,” continues Guy Fleurquin, who went to the commercial court on October 25 for cessation of payments proceedings. “It was difficult to go but I couldn’t do anything else. Humanly, it’s difficult to live with. By December 23, a judicial administrator will be appointed to manage the association”explains the manager.
400.000
Like the sum, in euros, at which the auctioneer valued the building of René-Gaillard’s Espace Bodard. A building that the association was assured of being able to occupy until the end of the season, for the moment.
The procedure will extend until 2025 via a public call for tenders “between January 3 and 4” so that the sale of the association is made, with a buyer chosen by the commercial court before the current board of directors resigns. “The choice will be made in relation to the project presented, to the support it could have and in relation to the price. He will have to come to an agreement with the agent, who will try to get the most out of it to pay the creditors”explains Fleurquin, citing the project led by Florimond Labulle as the hoped-for outcome. “There may be other buyers but this project seems excellent to me. He worked a lot with the town hall, which supports this project, also in the company of historical partners. We are hopeful that he will be retained”he whispers.
Florence Villes (in the foreground) was also present during this general assembly.
© (Photo cor. NR, Pierre Toucheteau)
Layoffs at the association
In turn, the association will go from nine to three employees, after layoffs. “It was a difficult decision”blurted Guy Fleurquin, pointing to a “reorganization at the administrative level” future.
Same status quo at Bruges, and this famous ban on recruiting which remains due to failure to pay these €75,000 plus a €35,000 fine. “That’s my big concern. We played with six U17s in Nord Gironde last weekend,” explains the president of the association.
“We need something concrete. Parents must be reassured, and quickly”replied a parent present, particularly worried about the fate of the women’s section and the lack of dialogue with Florimond Labulle. “We talk a lot about the Labulle project, but only that one. Do we really have to wait for the judge’s opinion or is it the Labulle project, period? Why was Johan Marteau not received by the mayor when he asked? »questioned Robert Clerc, also questioning Florence Villes.
A financial report in the red
On the financial aspect, the accounts presented showed a drop in revenue of 21%, with €281,319 less and a negative operating result of €228,002. The financial result amounts to -€652,000 and the exceptional result to -€472,771. Note, in the area of unpleasant surprises, that a debt is owed to the FFF… due to the fines imposed at the time of the interim of Oumar Tchomogo, non-graduate, in Ligue 2 during the 2022 season – 2023!
Finally, the liabilities peak at more than €700,000 as of June 30, 2024. “The Chamois will always hold on, despite everything, even if clubs want us to dive”summarizes Guy Fleurquin, who hopes to have had his last general meeting. And to conclude: “There is no pot… because there is no money!” »
