Monaco’s downward spiral shows no sign of ending. The French Federation’s “devastating” decision, made in collaboration with the LNB, resulted in the team’s application being rejected once again, a move that barred the club from competing in the third division, sending it hurtling straight to the fifth! The Principality’s club, however, continues to fight back, now with a new owner ready to continue its legal battle.
According to “Monaco-Matin,” Monaco has filed a new appeal against the French federation in an effort to avoid a complete suspension of its operations. This legal move represents the French champions’ last hope of maintaining their professional status for the 2026–27 season. Otherwise, administrative sanctions will permanently relegate the club to the fifth division of French basketball.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Monaco’s legal representative, Xavier Le Serf-Gal, launched a fierce attack against the federation, accusing it of ignoring the fate of dozens of the club’s employees, who are now in immediate danger of losing their jobs
.”A brand-new investor puts 10 million euros on the table and faces a resounding rejection from the federation, because he is being asked to pay for past administrative failures. This forces us to appeal to the CNOSF once again, even though the club has been restructured, the financials are now in excellent shape, everything is in place to secure jobs, and we had built a strong team that would draw crowds to the NM1 stadiums every weekend.”
Who is Monaco’s new owner?
The man tasked with saving Monaco is Swiss businessman Thomas Kourk. He is the head of “Swiss Montana AG,” a Zurich-based company active in the agri-food sector. He now owns 97% of the team’s shares, leaving about 2% with the amateur club and the remainder in the hands of the state.
This investor first appeared on the scene in late August; the relevant procedures have moved forward, but the club’s troubles continue. It remains to be seen what the final outcome of the case will be, although so far the French Federation has been unequivocal.
*photo source: A.S. Monaco Basket
