February 3 – West Ham have confirmed Algerian winger Said Benrahma (pictured) has joined Lyon after all on loan for the remainder of the season.
The deal includes an option for Lyon to make the deal permanent in the summer.
West Ham’s announcement brings to an end an acrimonious 18 hours after the deal was not completed by the transfer deadline.
Lyon had accused West Ham of ‘incomprehensible’ behaviour and threatened to take legal action.
They said West Ham had not done any of the required technical procedures on FIFA’s designated platform, TMS – a system for international player transfers – despite repeated requests to do so.
But having appealed to FIFA, Lyon said the required international transfer certificate had been accepted, leading to speculation the French club’s fury was without foundation.
“I’ve just received a message from FIFA,” that the move has likely been accepted, Lyon’s general director Laurent Prud’Homme said Friday at a news conference. “Our efforts are paying off. “
Following the initial collapse of the move, French side Lyon said they reserve the right to “hold West Ham responsible if necessary”.
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