Olivier Létang faces disciplinary hearing over messages

Olivier Létang faces a disciplinary hearing that could result in a ban from football activities after a series of forceful messages and emails aimed at French refereeing officials. The Lille president is due before the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s disciplinary commission on September 16.

The case was referred after the French Football Federation’s ethics commission examined Létang’s communications following Lille’s 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of August. The ethics body described the messages as frequently aggressive and asked the LFP commission to determine whether they breached disciplinary rules.

If the commission classifies the conduct as excessive behaviour outside a match, Létang could be suspended for three games. A finding of intimidating or threatening behaviour would expose him to a much heavier penalty, potentially nine months for comments directed at a Ligue 1 official. Under the federation’s rules, intimidation includes words, gestures or conduct capable of causing fear or apprehension.

The final outcome will depend on how the disciplinary panel interprets the messages. Létang’s status as a repeat offender could count against him when the commission considers the case.