ChristopheVAFC

Good evening, friends ! Here's some news from Valenciennes. The season ended two weeks ago, and the professional team is already in the planning stages, with several departures already confirmed: They are staying (or perhaps not): GK - Jean LOUCHET (contract ends in 2027) GK - Justin LACOMBE (contract end date unknown) D - Bryan PASSI (strong chance of contract extension) D - Loik LANDRE (contract ends in 2027) D - Abdelwahed WAHIB (contract end date unknown) D - Sakhalou NIAKATE (contract end date unknown) D - Ahmed DIOMANDE (contract extension possible) D - Erin AIRHIAVBERE (contract end date unknown) D - Derrick ABU (new loan possible?) M - Mabrouk ROUAI (contract ends in 2027) M - Thibault MARECHAL (recent first professional contract) M - Quentin DAUBIN (contract end date unknown) M - Samir BELLOUMOU (Contract end date unknown) M - Daou DIOMANDE (Contract end date unknown) F - Alain IPIELE (Contract end date unknown) F - Charles ABI (Contract ends in 2027) F - Gaetan COURTET (Contract ends in 2027) F - Kylian KOUAKOU (Contract end date unknown) Official departures: - Rento TAKAOTA (Rehabilitation in Japan, then return to Southampton) - Romain THOMAS (Retirement) - Alexandre COEFF (Contract ends) - Ylan EL HADARY (Return from loan to Paris FC) - Alexi KOUM (Return from loan to Olympique de Marseille) - Streddair APPUAH (Return from loan to Palermo FC) - Samy BAGHDADI (Permanent transfer to FC Sochaux) - Rémy BOISSIER (Contract ends) - Jules COLLET (Contract ends) New signings: (3 new player actually) -> Maël ZOGBA He is VAFC's first signing for the 2026/27 season! Aged 26, Maël Zogba signed a contract until 2028 (with an option for an additional year) this Thursday with the Hainaut club. Trained at AJ Auxerre, this 1.88m (6'2") central defender continued his development in National 2 with Saint-Priest and then with Goal FC. In 2021, he joined Chambly in the National league, where he signed his first professional contract. After stints at Alès (National 2) and Épinal (National), Zogba signed with Le Puy-en-Velay in June 2024, who were then playing in National 2. This marked the beginning of a great adventure with the club from Le Puy, with whom he achieved promotion to National and then finished 7th in the league this season. A starter in all 32 league matches, the central defender was one of the key players in Le Puy's successful season. This performance caught the eye of Valenciennes FC (VAFC) as they sought to bolster their defense. Welcome to VA, Maël! Maël Zogba, VAFC's new signing: "My decision was easy because I liked the project right away. I felt the sporting coordinator was keen to sign me. I'm a player who enjoys physical duels. My strengths are reading the game and passing ability. The goal is to start the season well and have a great campaign. We'll set our objectives in due course." Jean-Christophe Cesto, VAFC's sporting coordinator: "We needed a defender like him in the squad because of his height and aerial presence. He's an extremely reliable player who played all 32 of Le Puy's matches this season." Maël is also a leader who is at the right age. He has maturity. Even though he is still young, he already has a wealth of experience that we consider to be valuable experience. -> Rayane EKRA This is Valenciennes FC's first attacking reinforcement for next season. With 14 goals (and 3 assists), Rayane Ekra finished as the top scorer in Group H of National 3 last season while playing for Alès (3rd in the standings). A remarkable achievement for the 22-year-old right winger, who signed with Valenciennes FC on Tuesday. Originally from Saint-Brieuc, Rayane Ekra began playing football at Croix Saint-Lambert before continuing his development at Stade Briochin until the U14 level. The striker then joined the En Avant Guingamp youth academy before moving to Spain, where he joined SD Ponferradina's U19 team in 2021. In 2023, he returned to France and signed a one-year contract with Bourges (National 2) before moving to Alès, where he has just completed two impressive seasons. By joining Ligue 3, Ekra is now poised to take the next step in his career. Welcome to VA, Rayane! Rayane Ekra, new VAFC signing: “I chose to come to Valenciennes because I immediately felt a genuine interest from the club. Their approach to me played a significant role in my decision. The project they presented resonated with me, and joining a club with such a rich history is naturally motivating and rewarding for a player. I'm an attacking player, capable of playing in several attacking positions. My preferred position remains winger, where I can utilize my speed, my directness, and my ability to create opportunities in one-on-one situations. I enjoy creating chances, posing a threat, and contributing to the team offensively, whether through goals or assists.” “ Jean-Christophe Cesto, VAFC sporting coordinator: “Rayane is a player we quickly identified because we were looking for explosiveness, speed, and the ability to drive forward and beat defenders. We saw absolutely everything he possesses during his season in the National 3 league, where he scored goals and made a real impact. He’s also a player who creates chaos in opposing defenses. It’s for all these reasons that we went after him.” -> Salif LEBOUATH A third signing arrives at VAFC! After Maël Zogba and Rayane Ekra, it's Salif Lebouath's turn to join the Red and Whites. The 24-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Hainaut club on Thursday. Arriving from Pau, where he played nine Ligue 2 matches last season, Salif Lebouath is capable of playing in any position on the right side (full-back, wing-back, winger). Originally from Toulouse, this versatile player has an atypical career path. After honing his skills at various amateur clubs in his region (Quint-Fonsegrives, Balma, Toulouse Fontaines, Colomiers) and without going through a formal youth academy, he patiently climbed the ranks from Régionale 3 to Ligue 2, which he reached when he joined Pau in 2024 at the age of 22. This experience has given him the mental strength to take on a new challenge! Welcome to VA, Salif! Salif Lebouath, new VAFC signing: “I joined VAFC because I really liked the project they presented to me. And then the stadium and the club convinced me. Valenciennes appeals to me because it’s a historic club that I’m eager to discover. I’m a versatile, dynamic, and fast player who makes a lot of runs in behind the defense. I’m also athletic and technically gifted. I hope to get playing time, enjoy myself with my teammates, win as many matches as possible, and reignite the passion that VAFC has for us.” Jean-Christophe Cesto, VAFC sporting coordinator: “Salif is a young man with quite impressive athletic qualities. He’s very fast, powerful, and capable of playing in several positions on the right wing. His versatility is a real asset. He also has a career path that we admire, a path marked by obstacles because he had to work hard and fight to get where he is today. These are the values we’re aiming for next season.” He's a lad who will bring us mental strength and determination. We make it a point of honor to recruit lads who will fit this mindset. Good evening everyone !

This is the press article relayed by JustSaint: Southampton stars want Tonda Eckert to STAY despite Spygate costing club £215m – but he still could be sacked or banned Justin Allen , Chief EFL Writer Published: 12:31, 29 May 2026 Updated: 12:45, 29 May 2026 SOUTHAMPTON players want Tonda Eckert to stay on as manager despite the Spygate saga costing them Premier League football. The 33-year-old German boss led the Saints to a 21-game unbeaten run but the club were expelled from the play-off final after a club analyst was caught spying on a Middlesbrough training session. It also emerged the south coast team had snooped on Ipswich and Oxford. Boro, who they beat in the semi-finals, were reinstated to the play-off final where they were beaten by Hull. Sources have revealed to SunSport that the majority of the Southampton squad gave Eckert their backing at a team meeting held last week at the training ground. One Saints insider said: “Most of the squad have given Tonda an overwhelmingly positive reaction despite what happened. “Not everyone was completely happy, of course, but the majority of them believe keeping Tonda as manager gives them the best possible chance of getting promoted to the Premier League next season.” But Eckert’s future remains uncertain. Southampton bigwigs are yet to decide whether they want him to remain — and could yet sack him. The German also faces potential FA charges, which could even see him banned from coaching for 18 months. He admitted breaking EFL regulations – but maintains he did not know football espionage was against the rules in this country as the practice is widespread across Europe where he has previously worked. SunSport understands that Eckert did not personally initiate the controversial spying plan — but was aware and authorised it due to his ignorance of the EFL rules. Southampton fans have been in uproar and the club reached out to them with a statement last week — insisting they will repair broken trust. Club chiefs are furious because promotion would have landed them a £215MILLION windfall. Saints chief said in their statement: “Southampton Football Club has a proud history and strong foundations, but it is clear that trust now needs to be rebuilt. That work begins immediately “The club will reflect carefully on the events that have led to this point, learn from them and take the necessary steps to move forward responsibly. “While [this] is a painful moment, this football club will respond with humility, accountability and determination to put things right.”

I completely agree with your analysis; given that nobody is communicating – whether it’s PP, TE or DS – everyone remains in the dark and there are no answers to the many questions that Southampton fans and supporters are asking themselves today. Is it perhaps wiser to take one’s time before communicating, to take the time to assign responsibility to those concerned? I imagine the internal investigation won’t be completed in a matter of days... I also had the honour of meeting PP on my first visit two years ago; he came to meet me in front of the Ted statue, and I have a lot of respect for him, and I have no doubt that he does his utmost for the club on a daily basis. I think he would have genuinely preferred there to be no scandal, even if it meant losing to Boro fair and square on the pitch... Although, of course, that’s the sort of match you really don’t want to lose...

I think PP fulfilled his role as the club’s CEO when he was made aware of the matter; I think at first he was very surprised and also very angry, just as DS later was. I think he also quickly realised that this affair was going to have serious consequences for the club, and I think that is why he, on the one hand, spoke to Gibson in a completely transparent manner, and subsequently offered his full cooperation to the EFL. Was he right to do all that? Did he think, as the saying goes, that ‘a fault confessed is half forgiven’? It’s difficult to re-write history today... I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes today, trying to find the words and solutions to reassure everyone (supporters, players, sponsors, staff, volunteers, institutions, etc.)

If you look at his track record, Tonda is obviously the bookies’ favourite... But there have been some things he’s been behind that aren’t exactly glorious, and that could seriously tip the balance... Ultimately, it’s very difficult to say whether Tonda can stay or whether he’ll leave... Give him a second chance or sack him for gross misconduct – that is the question...

This is a scenario that might be imagined, but it's plausible. What do you think? Unlike Staplewood, Boro's training center is open to the public, with a hotel attached, making it difficult to work discreetly. 1 - On the day of the session, Boro may have spotted and recognized WS shortly before it began (perhaps WS had booked a room at the hotel, as it seems he was planning to stay for two days). 2 - Boro's communications team informed the coaching staff of this person's presence near the pitch, hidden behind the tree. 3 - Having anticipated this possibility, Boro may have set up a "fake tactical setup," filmed by WS (this fake setup would have been intended to throw everyone off the scent). 4 - Boro then took a photo of WS and used his whistleblower to bring the matter to light and accuse Southampton of cheating (which turned out to be true after the investigation). 5 - Boro then portrayed themselves as the "victim" and took our club's place on the pitch, given that they hadn't managed to beat us fairly. 6 - After their scheme, our team was sanctioned, and Boro was given another chance on the pitch. But, once again, they failed.

Thank for the precision 🙏

I wouldn't want to be in the offices at St. Mary's or the Staplewood Campus. I think that right now, before the club publicly communicates with the fans about how this whole situation ends, the goal is to find answers to certain questions, make the right decisions (even if they haven't always made the right choices, I agree), and above all, to put out the fire internally. Dragan must be furious, and it seems he intends to work on the matter personally in the coming days (I understand Dragan will be there in the next few days). Things are likely to get very heated, and I think some things will happen. The club must first regain the trust of its sponsors, its players, and its fans. This whole affair must be a lesson for the years to come. I expect the club to make a statement towards the end of next week.

Hello everyone, here's my opinion on whether we should keep Tonda or not: Keep Tonda: - He has restored hope and implemented a more attractive style of play, and is currently on an impressive 19-game unbeaten run. - He's a young coach with several convincing past experiences. - He's been with the club for several years and knows how it operates well. If he stays, he'll understand what's needed to rebuild a team for next season. - He could have a second chance provided he signs a code of ethics with the club and is supervised by management. Don't keep Tonda: - He has, seemingly, been the ringleader and has forced some people attached to the video analysis department to do things they didn't want him to do. - He claims not to know the rule, but I'm still surprised no one has told him. - Tonda will be booed on the bench all season, whether at home or away. - For several months, he will be associated with the "Spygate" scandal, and this will further damage the club's reputation. What do you think, dear friends?

Well done, Hull City! It really seems Boro can’t stand stoppage time at all, haha That was the reality on the pitch tonight. They tried everything to claim a place that was never theirs to begin with. See you next year!

The only truth was out on the pitch tonight. 🥸🥸 Besides, do they need binoculars to watch Hull in the Premier League? 🫢🫢 Have a good cry, Boro fans 🤣🤣🤣

Air conditioning at Wembley for Boro fans 🤣🤣🤣 THIS IS THE JUSTICE !

In the aftermath of this saga's conclusion, I confess I'm at a loss for words to express what I'm feeling—a mix of sadness, grief, and uncertainty. The fact that the decision is finally final means we can begin to rebuild and move on, learning from all of this. It will take time, and no one knows how many weeks, months, or even years it will take. We'll need to be strong, all of us together... From Valenciennes, I feel like a little brother watching his big brother struggle, and I'm very worried. I will always be behind you, and I sincerely hope that all of this will allow this great club, Southampton, to quickly return to the light. Stay strong, everyone.

I was hoping for a better result tonight, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be...😞 Tonight is a lesson for English football and international football, and we must learn from it...🫶 I am deeply saddened tonight and I hope with all my heart that the club will come back stronger.💪 Friends, you have my full support. My thoughts are with you tonight.🙏 It is time to rebuild the club brick by brick...🙂‍↕️ Allez Southampton !

Hello everyone, in the wake of the EFL’s harsh decision, I must admit I didn’t sleep well and have been thinking a lot about this whole situation... I know the SR board will try to defend themselves today during the appeal, but I have a lot of questions about the benefits and risks of this sort of practice... Ultimately, even though the EFL’s decision isn’t final, the club has lost a great deal in just a few hours because of this. - You, the supporters, are angry and disappointed - This story is making headlines all over the world - The players, who weren’t aware of it, are very angry - The club will almost certainly lose a lot of money I think the players could easily have won both matches against Boro fairly and squarely; on the pitch, we had the quality – did we not have faith in our players?

My friends, I’m devastated by this news tonight. I feel so sorry for you all...😞 The EFL’s decision is very harsh...😳 Stay strong, everyone. 🙏

“A relief that it’s over”, in Valenciennes, supporters not upset to end it The last match in Hainaut was an opportunity to meet in August, for the return of a lively and noisy stadium. This will do everyone good after a complicated season, too, in the stands. “a season to forget, a future to prepare, see you in August for new adventures. » Before transforming into Ligue 3 next season, the National experienced its last moments at the Hainaut stadium without great emotions. As since the start of 2026 and the withdrawal of the kop following the incidents in the match against Sochaux in December, the Valencia enclosure did not greatly disturb the neighbors with its fervor and we were, with a few exceptions, closer to a library atmosphere than that of a vibrating football stadium. The Valencian supporters were very disappointed with the past season and it was above all out of loyalty that they still came in numbers of more than 7,000 for a final match without any challenges. “After the change of coach it was a little better but it still remained chaotic and disappointing to finish in this place (10th) with the biggest budget in National. We’ll see next year,” whispered David, seen on the square before the match. Quickly looking ahead to the future, that was also the meaning of the message deployed by the ultras, always silent, through a banner that says it all: “a season to forget, a future to prepare, see you in August for new adventures. » “We must become a force again” “It’s a relief that it’s over,” explains one of them. There were still a lot of negative things for us too. We saw ourselves looking too good, we thought we were going to win the championship and…” The withdrawal of several groups of supporters since January has given rise to real self-criticism in order to better move forward next season. “We have to become a force again to carry the team. Don't get carried away if it goes well or freak out if it takes time. » Valenciennes will, whatever happens, need louder support to get out of a championship of which it now knows all the pitfalls and all the difficulty too well

“It’s mixed”, Valenciennes joins in stoppage time, a draw like his season Joined in the last moments and held on by Châteauroux (2-2), the VAFC finished its championship in 10th place and with a draw which says everything about its season: there was room to do much better. The vision of the Castelroussins, collapsed at the final whistle of this final draw which threw them into National 2, encourages us to put everything into perspective. The maintenance mission of the VAFC begun in February by Pierre Blois and Rudy Mater has been accomplished for several weeks and this is undoubtedly the essential thing, at the end of a trying season at all levels of the club, ended far from the initial ambitions and in a way which says a lot about the face displayed by Valenciennes this year. Joined twice by an opponent who was gambling with his life, VA stretched this mixed feeling that has stuck to his jersey since August. From start to finish, despite a few episodic bursts, the taste of too little was the main dish of this second season in a row in National; finished in 10th place with five points less (37) than first. What future for Pierre Blois? “It’s symptomatic, it’s true,” recognizes Remy Boissier who played his last minutes in the Valenciennes jersey after two seasons in the North. We must have a two-goal lead at half-time, but we never manage to manage a match. In the end, it's mixed. It’s nothing more or less than a continuation of what we’ve done. » “I didn't like the look of the team in the second half, the match must be over well before, regrets Pierre Blois whose near future is the big question of the days to come. The Valencian coach does not yet know what his future will hold, or in any case cannot yet say anything about it. “Our role was to prepare for next season in the last matches. My personal case, we will see later,” he evacuates. VA, who has experienced so much instability on the bench and systematically changed coaches along the way over the last five seasons, still has a priority task ahead of him: appointing his future boss, the first stone of a future season which will arrive very quickly. VALENCIENNES- CHATEAUROUX: 2-2 (1-0) 7617 spectators Goals: Appuah (12th), Courtet (89th) for Valenciennes; Freitas (80th), Verdier (90th+4) for Chateauroux Warnings: to Castelroussins Koembo (22nd), Bennedine (90th) to Valenciennois Coeff (45th), Courtet (46th) Expulsion from Castelroussain: Mopila (90th+6) VAFC: Lacombe; Abu (Landre 83rd), Bourichon (Airhiavbere 83rd), Coeff, Wahib; Belloumou (cap), Daubin (Ipiele 60th); D.Diomande (El Hadary 60th), Rouai, Appuah (Boisisier 75th); Short. Etr: Pierre Blois CHATEAUROUX: Lavallée; Koembo, Kelo, Mopila, Beneddine; Wade (Verdier 85th), Tjomb (Bouaoune 46th), Freitas, Chahib; Piquionne, Jean (Ahmed 70th). Etr: Damien Ott

End of the game and end of the season. Valenciennes 2-2 versus Châteauroux. Châteauroux relegated in National 2. Good night everyone.

Good match everyone ! ❤️🤍 Allez VA !

“I sometimes felt alone,” says Derrick Abu, who has been feeling his way in Valenciennes for the first year. The 22-year-old English right-back, who arrived last summer from Southampton, has made three appearances but has played very little this season. This is partly due to a more difficult adaptation to French life than he anticipated. A season has passed, and we still don't know what to make of Englishman Derrick Abu, who arrived last summer from Southampton. At 22, is the Chelsea academy graduate a talent waiting to take off, or just another player who has moved from club to club, like a pawn in the great game of multiple ownership? We haven't seen enough of him in action – just six matches – to be certain, even if memories of him in preseason last summer and the three matches he has just played suggest potential. But in between, there's an interminable tunnel of a season spent primarily in the reserves, far from the first team and the high hopes expressed upon arrival. "When you don't speak the language, when you can't communicate, it's frustrating, but the hardest part is everyday life. Doing your shopping, going to the doctor, calling a number for Wi-Fi, everything is different. It's sometimes a heavy burden," says Derrick Abu. "I wanted to play abroad, to take on this challenge. It didn't go as planned. I didn't expect to be so uninvolved, but it's ending better, so I prefer to look on the bright side," the Englishman says positively today. "All of this has made me stronger; it will serve me well." Derrick Abu describes his first year in France as a "roller coaster"—one that, one suspects, had far more lows than highs. Born in Germany to Nigerian parents who settled in England when he was three, the Briton has a taste for openness but admits he hadn't fully grasped how complicated it can be to integrate, young and alone, into a new country. "It took me time, but I'm 100% now." "When you don't speak the language, when you can't communicate, it's frustrating, but the hardest part is everyday life," he explains. "Shopping, going to the doctor, calling a number for Wi-Fi—everything is different. It can be a heavy burden. A teammate, after a bad day at training, can talk to his wife, hug his children. I won't deny it, even though I knew it would happen, there were times when I felt alone." All of this weighed more heavily on his mind than he imagined, and consequently on his performance. Almost a year after his arrival, Abu can already see the difference: his French has improved, he's settled into his new life at Valenciennes, and he now feels "at home." "It took me some time, but I'm 100% now," he promises. A little late for this season, which ends Friday against Châteauroux, but not without its advantages for what lies ahead. "Because I always look straight ahead," the Englishman asserts. In Valenciennes, he's not the only one who doesn't want to dwell too much on the past year. VALENCIENNES (10th) – CHÂTEAUROUX (16th), Friday, 7:30 p.m., Stade du Hainaut

Derrick ABU held a press conference yesterday:

The Executive Committee of the French Football Federation (FFF) has officially confirmed the launch of the professional Ligue 3 for next season (2026-2027). This name change is accompanied by a major restructuring of the French third division. Here is a summary of the main changes compared to the current National 1: 1. A 100% Professional Status Before (National): The league was considered the elite of amateur football (a "hybrid" status combining relegated professional clubs and amateur clubs with federal contracts). Tomorrow (Ligue 3): The league becomes fully professional. This is a major historical first, as the FFF (and not the LFP) will organize this professional league. For players, this means an upward harmonization of salary conditions, social benefits, and training facilities. 2. New Competition Format (Playoffs and Relegation) The league retains its 18 clubs and 34 matchdays, but the distribution of promotions and relegations has been radically changed to maximize the stakes: Promotion: The top two teams in the standings are automatically promoted to Ligue 2. Playoffs: This is the major new feature. The teams ranked 3rd through 6th will compete in a playoff tournament. The winner of this tournament will play a two-legged playoff against the 16th-placed team in Ligue 2 for a chance to secure a third promotion spot. Relegation: Only the bottom three teams will be relegated (whereas the National league has seen recent seasons with four or six relegations due to reforms). 3. Media and Technological Revolution Full Broadcasting: All 309 matches of the season (regular season + playoffs) will be broadcast on the Ligue 1+ platform. In addition, eight matchdays will be scheduled outside of international breaks or at the beginning/end of the season to provide Ligue 3 with an exclusive showcase, free from competition with Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. Increased technical resources: The days of the single camera are over. Each match will be broadcast with two cameras, and the highlight match of each matchday will benefit from a five-camera setup. Refereeing and Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR): Ligue 3 will test a simplified VAR system. Unlike traditional VAR, coaches will have two challenges per match to request a review of a play. A fourth official will also be present on the sidelines. 4. Financial Framework and Squad Limits To prevent bankruptcies and stabilize club finances (the overall budget allocated to the division will be €12.3 million for the first season), the FFF is imposing strict rules: Salary Cap: Starting in 2027-2028, club salaries will be capped at 60% of their operating revenue (then 50% in 2028-2029 and 40% in 2029-2030). Squad Limit: From 2027-2028, clubs will be limited to a maximum of 20 players under federal/professional contract. The aim is to encourage clubs to rely on youth development and local players. 5. Administrative Flexibility (End of Deadline) To avoid legal complications and truncated 17-team leagues (as has often happened in recent years due to protracted DNCG procedures), the July 17th registration deadline has been eliminated. From now on, a club can be administratively reinstated up until the day before the first matchday of the season. Bonus Clarity: To make the French football pyramid clearer, the lower divisions are also changing their names. The current National 2 will become National 1, and the current National 3 will become National 2.

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well? Today in Valenciennes is the final match of the season – a season that has once again been a struggle. A win tonight would be a positive note, but it won’t be easy against La Berrichonne de Châteauroux, whom we’re hosting at the Stade du Hainaut; they absolutely must win to stay in Ligue 3 next year. Next year, matches will no longer be streamed for free on YouTube; in France, you’ll need to subscribe to a pay-TV channel called ‘Ligue 1+’, which broadcasts Ligue 1. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm French time and the link to the match is below: I’m sharing the latest news from Ligue 3 and the press articles below.

Here’s where Boro will really be on 23 May, haha 🤣