Prince Norodom Ravichak of Cambodia seeks to acquire the struggling French club Saint-Étienne, which faces relegation and financial issues. His bid of €100 million aims to revive the club’s fortunes through long-term investment and community-focused initiatives. Rivals include an investment fund and local businessmen, but Ravichak emphasizes restoring the club’s legacy on both national and international fronts.
Cambodian prince Norodom Ravichak is seeking to acquire the struggling French football club, Saint-Étienne, which has experienced financial difficulties and a decline in performance. Currently, the club is facing relegation in Ligue 1 and is in urgent need of investment. The prince aims to revitalize the team, known as Les Verts due to their green jerseys, and restore it to its former glory as a top-tier football club in France.
Ravichak, a businessman and humanitarian, expressed his commitment to the club, stating that he would take good care of Saint-Étienne and provide long-term funding. The club, which has won ten top-division titles, is historically significant but has struggled since its successful period in the 1960s and 70s. Financial troubles exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted the club’s budget, limiting their ability to sign new players.
The prince’s bid of €100 million comes amid competition from other investors. Saint-Étienne’s current co-owners, Bernard Caïazzo and Roland Romeyer, have engaged consultants from KPMG to evaluate potential offers and hope to finalize the sale soon. While two rival bidders meet financial criteria, Ravichak proposes plans for youth football academies in Cambodia and Asia to strengthen the club’s future prospects.
Ravichak’s background enriches his bid; he is the grandson of Norodom Sihanouk, the Cambodian “King Father,” and maintains strong ties to France. Living partly in Paris, he has built a network of business contacts and garnered recognition for his humanitarian contributions. Despite being referred to as Cambodia’s crown prince, he serves as an honorary ambassador without holding a formal royal title.
The current management of ASSE is divided regarding the best direction for the club, with Romeyer favoring a local investment offer and Caïazzo leaning towards Ravichak’s proposal. The prince envisions not only financial recovery but also a renewed status for Saint-Étienne in both national and international football, aligning with his passion for the sport and commitment to community development.
Original Source: www.france24.com
