'Lack of respect' - West Ham slammed over deadline day transfer that went down to the wire

West Ham United have been slammed over their handling of a failed loan deal involving winger Said Benrahma. The Hammers star was on track to join Olympique Lyon on deadline day, but the deal broke down, and it was one of two to be in doubt heading into the second day of February.

Pablo Fornals' permanent move to Real Betis was also left in limbo after being left late, although that particular deal could still go through. That does not appear to be the case for Benrahama, although Lyon are still intent on pushing authorities to review the situation.

The French giants have released a statement slamming West Ham for their lack of cooperation in the final hours and minutes of the January window. “Olympique Lyonnais were delighted to welcome Said Benrahma to Lyon this Thursday to finalize his transfer from West Ham," the statement read. "The two clubs had signed a temporary transfer agreement, and Olympique Lyonnais had obtained approval from the DNCG to allow the transfer to take place smoothly and transparently.

“However, at the start of the evening, while Olympique Lyonnais had entered all the administrative data on the dedicated FIFA platform (FIFA TMS), West Ham had never launched the slightest technical procedure on its part, despite the repeated reminders from the OL and continuous mutual telephone communication. In the absence of this reciprocal action on the part of the English club and following this incomprehensible behaviour, raising questions, the international transfer certificate could not be requested before closing time.

“Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the institution and the player. The club reserves the right to initiate all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the transaction at a later date, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.”