The operations of Troyes FC under the management of the City Football Group (CFG) have been met with dissatisfaction from the club’s fans. The Magic Troyes 1997 fan group recently ended their boycott and returned to the Stade de l’Aube to support the team during a Ligue 2 fixture against SC Amiens. The team secured a victory with two first-half goals, marking their third home win since August 2022. The fan group has publicly appealed for support for the players, as Troyes has demonstrated improved performance in recent matches.
Troyes was acquired by the City Football Group in September 2020. Initially, the club showed promise under the leadership of popular coach Laurent Batlles, leading to the Ligue 2 title. However, tensions arose with the club’s ownership over enforced signings of CFG players, leading to Batlles’ dismissal. His replacement, Bruno Irles, managed to stabilize the team but was also let go due to differences with the management. Irles was replaced by Patrick Kisnorbo, who lacked experience in French football and faced criticism from supporters.
The CFG’s influence on the club’s transfer activity has been a source of controversy, with significant spending on new players and questionable loans and signings. Reports suggest that the club is being used as a testing ground for CFG talent at the expense of a serious attempt at re-promotion. The fans are concerned that the club is losing its identity and independence, becoming subservient to the goals of the international group.
Despite the challenges, Troyes has seen an upturn in form under their new manager, David Guion. The team may avoid relegation to the third tier for the first time in 30 years, but the issues go beyond results. The club, once known for its identity and attractive football, is now struggling to maintain its autonomy and connection with the local community.
The ownership of a football club is a multi-layered concept, involving both contractual technicalities and the investment of time, money, and emotions from fans and the local community. As part of the CFG’s network of clubs, Troyes is experiencing a shift from being a community-centric football club to a pawn in a multinational machine, which concerns the supporters and the local community.
The situation at Troyes FC highlights the complexities of club ownership and the impact of external influences on a football team’s identity and relationship with its supporters. As the season progresses, the club continues to navigate the challenges of balancing its historical roots with the demands of its multi-club ownership structure.