The takeover of FCNantes by the Phenix Sports Invest group, led by Paulo Tavares, remains suspended while the DNCG must examine the financial guarantees. Although a protocol was signed with the Kita family, the transaction is blocked at several stages, including the obligation to provide a guarantee of 25 million euros on a blocked account before any hearing. This requirement reinforces the questions already present around the solidity of the project.
In this context, Tavares chose to publicly respond to his criticisms on the He concluded his message by saying that these remarks entertained him. Furthermore, he would have contacted a supporter of the club to ask for their telephone number in order to discuss the criticism outside of social networks, a move which quickly fueled reactions. For his detractors, this response lacks restraint and seems too personal.
On TéléNantes, former player NassimBadri strongly denounced this speech, calling her an “influencer who responds to her haters”. He considered that the takeover candidate should have favored institutional communication, especially in a matter as sensitive as that of a historic club. Journalist MariusDelaunay joined this analysis, emphasizing that it was a communication error at a key moment before the DNCG. According to him, “if we are calm, we will not shout on Twitter and respond to everyone who is talking about FCNantes at the moment”.
The club's social and economic committee issued a unanimous unfavorable opinion, expressing concerns about the reliability of the project, employment and the future of the club. This opinion, although it remains advisory, adds a political and social obstacle to the file. The DNCG must now examine the financial guarantees and documents presented by the consortium, a crucial step which goes beyond the controversies on social networks.
At this stage, it is too early to say that the buyout is in jeopardy. There is no evidence to show that the DNCG would make its decision based on the controversy. The risk is rather indirect: Tavares' communication could reinforce the doubts of those who are waiting for concrete guarantees before supporting the change of ownership. The protocol signed with the Kita family constitutes progress, but it is not enough to finalize the sale. The consortium still has to go through the regulatory and financial stages.
For Paulo Tavares, the priority is now to convince with facts: present the guarantees requested, reassure about financing and demonstrate that his group has the necessary means to ensure the future of the Canaries. The controversy on social networks does not condemn the project, but it constitutes an additional difficulty a few days before a decisive deadline.