Waldemar Kita opens the door to an FC Nantes sale

Waldemar Kita is considering ending his ownership of FC Nantes, a possibility that could bring a new direction to the club after its relegation to Ligue 2. Kita has controlled Nantes since 2007 and is approaching his 20th year at the helm.

The 73-year-old says three potential buyers have made proposals, although no agreement has been reached. Confidentiality clauses prevent him from giving details, and he has stressed that he is in no hurry to complete a deal. He is questioning whether his approach remains suited to running the club and accepts that a handover could eventually provide a fresh vision and renewed momentum.

Kita also links his reduced involvement in recent years to the failure of the YellowPark stadium project. He says millions were spent on the plan before it was blocked, leaving Nantes without the development he believed was needed to improve the club’s working conditions. He has also criticised the missed financial opportunity for the local authorities, which he said could have generated €20 million through land sales.

The owner has faced sustained pressure from Nantes supporters, including the Brigade Loire, who have repeatedly called for his departure and that of his son Franck. The club’s 2022 Coupe de France triumph and subsequent European campaign now appear distant after several unstable seasons. Previous attempts to sell Nantes came close but collapsed over issues including bank guarantees and changes of mind, leaving the current discussions uncertain.