LFP Hands Lille President Olivier Létang a One-Match Suspension

October 23, 2025 — Lille, France: The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) disciplinary committee has handed Lille OSC president Olivier Létang a one-match suspension along with a two-match suspended ban from all official functions. The decision follows his comments criticizing the standard of refereeing in French football after Lille’s 1-0 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais on September 28.

According to RMC Sport, Létang’s remarks during halftime and in post-match interviews were deemed inappropriate by the LFP. The Lille president expressed frustration with what he described as “a real underlying problem with refereeing in France.”

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Létang’s Public Comments Spark Controversy

Speaking to beIN Sports, Létang did not hold back:

“We have a real underlying problem with refereeing in France. We can’t have evenings like this. It’s not possible. Every weekend, in almost every match, there are problems. There’s no discussion, no contradiction.”

His public criticism was reportedly preceded by heated words directed at match officials during the halftime break. The disciplinary committee considered these comments and actions as a violation of conduct rules for club officials.

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Fiery Lille vs Lyon Match Under Scrutiny

The Ligue 1 encounter between Lille and Lyon was notably tense, producing 46 fouls and seven yellow cards. The game’s intensity boiled over when Lille coach Bruno Génésio was sent off after kicking a water bottle that nearly struck the fourth official.

This incident added to the growing debate about referee consistency in French football, which has been a recurring issue this season.

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Repeat Offender: Létang’s Previous Suspension

This is not the first time Olivier Létang has faced disciplinary action. Last season, he received a one-month suspension for grabbing the arm of a fourth official during Lille’s fiery Coupe de France victory over Olympique de Marseille.

The LFP’s decision reinforces its stance against public criticism and inappropriate behavior toward referees, particularly from club executives and coaching staff.

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Lille Face Upcoming Fixtures Without Their President

With Létang banned from matchday duties for one game, Lille OSC will need to manage administrative responsibilities through other club officials. The suspension could also influence how Ligue 1 executives handle referee-related commentary in the future.

Létang’s suspended two-match ban means that any similar behavior over the coming months could trigger an additional penalty.