The rumor, which swelled in recent days on the banks of the Orb, was therefore a reality. An investor from the United Arab Emirates is very interested in the acquisition of AS Béziers Hérault, club with 11 shields of Brennus which vegetates in Pro D2 since 2005 (with a passage in Federal 1 between 2009 and 2011), languishing of its past splendor. And, another rumor confirmed, this UAE fund is indeed represented by Christophe Dominici. Who, in the long interview with Midol , however, does not lift the whole veil, refusing to reveal the identity of this mysterious investor.
READ ALSO: Pro D2: a fund from the United Arab Emirates interested in buying Béziers
“He comes from an Emirati family. He is very close to the royal power, someone who made a fortune in the extraction of oil. Its financial surface is significant, not to say gigantic. That a man like him wishes to invest in rugby at a time when all the partners are leaving the world of sport is a chance ... I met his family, I was introduced to their children. Clearly, everything was done to have the certainty that it was not utopian. (…) If Doctor Wild ( whose fortune is estimated at 8 billion euros, editor's note ) can support ten generations behind him, my friend can support a hundred generations behind him, ”is content to reveal the former wingman of the Stade Français Paris and XV de France (67 selections).
“ We can bring solid financial guarantees to the DNACG in the coming days. The FFR is aware, everything is done transparently ”
Christophe Dominici"These are people who want to remain discreet for the moment ..." But how did he end up advising them. A meeting through a mutual friend, explains Dominici. They sympathized and here he was in charge of negotiations, he who owns a wine estate not far from Béziers, in Nissan-lez-Enserune.
The former player confirms what everyone knew, namely that the ASBH is, as every season, in the grip of serious financial difficulties, and that its two co-owners, Pierre-Olivier Valaize and Cédric Bistué, are not against resell the club. With serious chances of being bought by this investor from the United Arab Emirates? “The mayor (Robert Ménard, Editor's note) and the leaders are in full reflection. But I have confidence. We can bring in the coming days solid financial guarantees to the DNACG. The FFR is aware, everything is done transparently. ” And several meetings have already taken place, proof that negotiations are progressing.
“ We want to go as high as possible and very, very quickly. Money is no longer a concern. We are talking about a first investment of 7 million euros "
Christophe DominiciAnd the ambitions are great. "We want to revive the great Béziers, to make the people of Béziers dream, to remind the club of its greatest figures, to rely on this generation of cadets who has just been champion of France two years in a row ... It is an institution, Béziers. You can't do anything with it. We want to go as high as possible and very, very quickly. Money is no longer a concern. (…) We are talking about a first, direct, immediate investment at 7 million euros, ”says Christophe Dominici ( the club's current budget is € 8 million, editor's note ). Who will invest personally in the club if this proposal is successful. "I like the sports challenge: director of rugby, sports director, we'll see ..."
But why this interest on the part of an investor from the Middle East? "I warned him: he will lose money by joining rugby. But he wants to vibrate, get involved, please and give dreams ... ”, assures Christophe Dominici. Which also works to reassure. “I can understand that people are afraid. But look at what the Qataris did at PSG, it's remarkable… ”On social networks, the supporters are pushing in any case for this takeover of the club. Dreaming of reconnecting with the summits.
Read also
- The FFR proposes the creation of a “Pro D3” to 12 clubs