It now turns out that whilst one meeting was cancelled there was a General Meeting there did take place.
As advised earlier they confirmed the financial requirements.
Patrick Trottignon, the CEO, made a few comments of note. United World we’re on VC but I have yet to see anything attributed to them.
Berrichonne de Châteauroux: survival costs 4 million euros
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Published on 25/06/2023 at 09:00 | Updated on 25/06/2023 at 09:04
Between the accounts for the 2022-2023 season to be balanced (€1 million) and the budget for 2023-2024 to be validated (€3 million), the Berrichonne must find at least €4 million to convince the DNCG to cancel its demotion to National 2.
It's a bit like before a football match. The pessimists consider the defeat inevitable after a failed first leg, the optimists consider nothing but a reversal of the situation and a favourable outcome, the undecided remain... undecided.
READ ALSO. The Berrichonne downgraded by the DNCG
After the relegation to National 2 pronounced by the DNCG on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, the Berrichonne de Châteauroux, who appeals this decision, will play its survival in the world of professional football during the second hearing before the financial gendarme of French football, between July 7 and 10.
To save his skin, the only option really possible today depends on Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad and his United World group who must sign a cheque in the order of €4 million according to our information to allow the Berri to restart in National next August.
Will the Saudis abandon the club bought just over two years ago (March 2021) or bail it out so that it can continue its activity? Patrick Trotignon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Berri, firmly believes in the second option. He details the situation and returns to the general meeting of shareholders that took place on Friday, June 23 in Châteauroux.
What was the purpose of Friday's meeting?
"It was a general meeting where all shareholders were invited, which was convened by the auditor given the delicate situation of the club. The meeting took place in a cordial spirit, everyone was able to express themselves. As majority shareholders, United World representatives were present of course. ”
We will appeal the DNCG decision, the hearing should take place between July 7 and 10 and we will then have to bring guarantees, not just promises.
Patrick Trotignon
What figures did the auditor present?
"To make things clear, today there are two steps to be taken. The first is to balance the accounts as of June 30, 2023. This is called balancing the net accounting situation. This first down payment is essential to be able to continue the activity. This down payment, United assured that it was able to bring it (we would approach €1 million according to our information).
Second step, the 2023-2024 budget. The role of the DNCG is not to punish clubs but rather to advise them to ensure that a club that starts a championship will be able to finish it. When presenting an estimated budget, the difference between expenditure and planned revenue must be honoured by the owner. We will appeal the DNCG decision, the hearing should take place between July 7 and 10 and we will then have to bring guarantees, not just promises. ”
Editor's note: In the case of Berri, it would be necessary to provide about €3 million in guarantee, which is added to the balance of accounts, a total of about €4 million.
Did the Berrichonne live beyond her means?
"Today, the resources of a National club depend solely on sponsorship, communities and some help from the FFF for the training centre. At most, this represents €3 million. This means that when your budget is €7 million, the difference is €4 million at the expense of the owner. This budget must be lowered so that this difference is reduced and the club can continue to live, regardless of the shareholder. ”
"There were outrageous expenses to bring some players, it is a bet that was made and that was not a winner. ”
We have already made €2 million in savings on the 2023-2024 budget mainly with the players' payroll. But that's not enough
Patrick Trotignon
In what order should this budget reduction be?
"Between the 2022-2023 budget (€7.5 million) and the next one presented to the DNCG (€5.5 million), we have already saved €2 million mainly with the players' payroll. But that's not enough. Today the shareholder will have to make the difference and we will then work hard to reduce expenses. Some are incompressible and worrying. For example, the presence in the large white building (avenue de La Châtre) is not in line with a National club. We must go and discuss with the owner of this building (Scalis), with the City for the rental and maintenance of the training grounds, it will also be necessary to reduce the wage bill of employees. The training centre, we want to keep it but by making economies of scale. If the club had returned to Ligue 2, we wouldn't talk about it. We will attack the third season in National. There were outrageous expenses to bring in some players, it is a bet that was made and that was not a winner. ”
What do you think of the calls from United that we hear in Châteauroux?
"If some people think it's the solution, I think it's the worst solution. Apart from them, I don't see who is going to put the money. Anyway, I don't think there is enough time to change owners so quickly. ”
It is said that United syphoned the accounts with €3.8 million in cash that would have disappeared?
"In this treasury, there are the repayments of the various loans to be taken into account. Plus the various loads. It is unbearable for any National club, regardless of the shareholder. The budget will have to decrease by putting in place a very rigourous savings plan to allow for a reliable budget in continuity. ”
Editor's note: When they talk about borrowing, Patrick Trotignon probably refers to the PGE (state-guaranteed loan) of €1.6 million contracted before the arrival of the Saudis. Similarly, United also repays a loan of €300,000 that dates from the capital reduction period. Another loan to equip the new training centre is also in repayment. Finally, there are also provisions for labour disputes concerning a former physiotherapist and an internship supervisor.
Do you feel too severe towards United?'
"There are probably mistakes that have been made, a lack of communication, but not everything can be blamed on them. When they took over the club, they did not seek to lower prices despite L2's relegation to National. More than one would have discussed downwards. The exercise is not necessarily simple, they will not inject money indefinitely. We must ask ourselves and make a fair judgement on them. ”
READ ALSO. Chronicle of an announced disaster
In the event of another refusal of the DNCG, can the Berri go down even lower than the N2?
"In my opinion, National or National 2, it's the same fight. If you are not allowed to go to National, this will also be the case in N2. Speaking of the first hearing at the DNCG, I thought I read that United's representatives did not want to run. This is not the case since it was I who announced them. As for the documents that would not have been provided, our chartered accountant completed the DNCG platform as early as May 31, which allowed the DNCG to audition us. Accounting documents should not be confused with accounting guarantees. It is because these guarantees were not brought that we were rejected. Today, the club's accounting is seriously kept, the club is up to date with salaries and social and tax charges. ”
What can you say to claimants who are waiting to be settled?
"The debt that remains concerns the suppliers that we have started to pay (Editor's note, debt that amounted to €600,000). By June 30, when United has paid the amount necessary to ensure balance (€1 million), suppliers will be paid. I add that sponsors also owe us money, as well as clubs for transfers (Wissa in Angers and Chouareff in Sion)..."
A summons from the Berrichonne to the Châteauroux Commercial Court was mentioned, what about it?
"I was heard to give information but not summoned. If this is the case, it is the cabin that falls on the dog. ”
READ ALSO. Wave of departures and outraged reactions
Regarding the sports sector, can you comment on the departure of Steven Vanharen, the group's sports director?
"I'm not aware of his departure. I know that the Berrichonne sports coordinator remains Osama Hawsawi, who graduated last week at the CTR. The resumption is set for June 29 (medical visits, on the ground on July 1). Regarding the staff and staff, I'm not the one who takes care of it. ”
A demonstration of supporters is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, what do you think?
"I will go to meet them. It's logical, it's not an easy-going situation, for no one, Berri employees in the first place. We must remain grouped and show solidarity, that's how the Berrichonne will get away with it. The Berrichonne belongs to everyone, it is very important for the territory and it would be disastrous if it did not continue. I think and very much hope that this will not be the case. ”
READ ALSO. Anger is rising among supporters
Do you remain optimistic despite everything?
"The equation is very simple. If the money is paid, we don't talk about it anymore, otherwise... I could see that they tended to pay the day before for the next day. I still think that the owner will fulfil his responsibilities. It's common sense, if he doesn't, he loses everything. ”
So, €1m to be paid by Friday to flatten the last period. More expected to be demonstrated for the upcoming season. Wait and see now.
