Lyon accuse West Ham of “lack of respect” over Benrahma move

Lyon have accused West Ham of showing a “profound lack of respect” after the failure of the planned transfer of Algerian international Saïd Benrahma to the French club.

Lyon said the Premier League side had failed to attempt to take the necessary steps regarding world football's governing body FIFA's transfer matching system for the deal to be completed on Thursday before the end of the January transfer window.

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“Following this incomprehensible behavior… the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time,” Lyon said in a statement.

“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the institution and the player.”

“The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to complete the transaction at a later date, and to hold West Ham accountable if necessary.”

West Ham did not respond to Lyon's comments on why the transfer fell through, but confirmed in an email to Reuters that the deal had not been completed in time.