Get Newsletter

Boudjellal readies to sell Toulon

The reported 10 million euros ($11 million) deal could be concluded "in a relatively short time", Lucien Simon, the lawyer and potential new club president, told AFP on Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Simon is joining forces to buy Toulon with with Gerard Barba, a French 51-year-old film producer and businessman.

Boudjellal, who has bankrolled Toulon to three European titles (2013, 2014, 2015) and the French championship in 2014 over his 10 years at the helm, has become increasingly frustrated at his critics.

The 56-year-old said in September he wanted "another life" and wondered why "he takes hits every week".

"There is a strong chance that this will be my last year," said the man who made his fortune from comic book publishing before investing large sums of it in bringing an array of world stars to the Stade Mayol.

"I do not have a huge fortune, but it's reasonable. I am much depleted by the club and I don't know if many presidents do this."

Simon, who was President of Aix Provence Rugby between 1995-2015 taking them to the Pro D2 (French second division) before they dropped back down to the third division Federale 1 last season, underlined that a deal had not yet been struck.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Things aren't done today," the lawyer said. "We're still working with Mourad, who remains the sole person to decide."

Agence France-Presse

Join free

Fresh Starts | Episode 1 | Will Skelton

ABBIE WARD: A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 8

James Cook | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

New Zealand victorious in TENSE final | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Men's Highlights

New Zealand crowned BACK-TO-BACK champions | Cathay/HSBC Sevens Day Three Women's Highlights

Japan Rugby League One | Steelers v Sungoliath | Full Match Replay

Rugby Europe Women's Championship | Netherlands v Spain

Write A Comment