Nice and OM set for Grégory Lorenzi dispute as Rivère says contract was signed | OneFootball

Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère says Marseille knew Grégory Lorenzi had already signed a contract with the club and that Nice will seek to protect their position. According to L'Équipe, Lorenzi had agreed to join Nice before accepting OM's offer this week.

Rivère spoke overnight from Friday to Saturday after Nice sealed survival against the Greens, 0-0 then 4-1 in the play-off.

He said OM were fully aware of a signed contract yet announced Lorenzi as their sporting director. Nice will not try to keep him, he added, but expect discussions because they view the situation as unacceptable.

Rivère said he believed OM had only engaged Lorenzi in case of relegation to Ligue 2, citing a clause that allowed the executive to withdraw if Nice went down. He noted that Lorenzi has resigned but a notice period applies, and that the financial impact for Nice is not insignificant. He also argued Marseille could have checked with Nice before proceeding.

His comments indicate Nice would first look for an amicable settlement with Marseille. Compensation is one possible solution, as seen in late player transfer turnarounds. Failing that, Nice reserve the right to take the case to the relevant authorities.

Marseille's stance is that they have had no exchange with Nice and do not intend to have one, and that any issue should be handled by Lorenzi and his lawyer. The dispute could therefore drag on.

Source: L'Équipe