Following requests from several French clubs, FIFA is set to launch an investigation into the transfer process that led to the signing of 19-year-old Ghanaian forward Ernest Nuamah by Lyon, as reported by L’Équipe.
Nuamah’s journey began with a transfer to Molenbeek from Nordsjaelland and then included a loan move to Lyon, which featured an obligation to buy.
The arrangement, involving multiple ownership through Eagle Football, which connects Molenbeek as a sister club to Lyon, has raised suspicions among rival fans and pundits.
The transfer fee for Nuamah’s move to Molenbeek set a record at €25 million, significantly surpassing the Belgian club’s previous record fee of €3 million. Molenbeek is expected to recoup the full €25 million when the obligation-to-buy clause comes into effect.
While FIFA initially approved the 19-year-old’s transfer to Molenbeek, and Lyon obtained upstream approval from the DNCG following financial restrictions on the club, internal sources within FIFA have suggested that the transfer will now be subject to investigation.
This decision comes in response to increased questioning from Lyon’s divisional rivals, prompting FIFA to request “follow-up” information from the club.
