New Owner Revealed for US Créteil-Lusitanos: Xavier Niel Steps In
In the depths of a tumultuous time for French football, its ability to tug at heartstrings remains unparalleled. On a stormy April 30th, Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos—a fourth-division Val-de-Marne club—unveiled a game-changing announcement. NJJ holding, the personal holding company of billionaire businessman Xavier Niel (an individual shareholder of the Iliad group), had scooped up a stake in US Créteil-Lusitanos' capital.
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“This is my way of giving something back to this city that’s given me so much”, says the Créteil native-turned-business tycoon in their statement. Tony Al Homsi, US Créteil-Lusitanos' current president and head of HBL holding, a services enterprise group employing 500 people, welcomes this high-profile investor with open arms.
"The return of Xavier Niel to our football club is a boon for our city...and for all football enthusiasts", says Créteil's socialist mayor, Laurent Cathala. According to Le Parisien, Niel will serve as the reference shareholder, with Tony Al Homsi retaining a minority stake and working to facilitate the transition.
Aiming for Greatness
With this big shot investor now in the picture, US Créteil-Lusitanos has set its sights on becoming a significant force in French football, all while staying true to its values, identity, and local roots. Niel's vision revolves around three core priorities: investing in the future through a state-of-the-art training center, professionalizing the club by boosting resources and partnerships, and elevating Créteil's standing by captivating a broader audience. Details about a specific sporting objective, like achieving promotion to Ligue 1, are yet to be revealed in the club's communication.
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This unexpected arrival of the business magnate in the Ile-de-France football scene is reminiscent of the Arnault family's takeover of Paris FC in November 2024. Currently in second position in Ligue 2, Paris FC stands a strong chance of ascending to the elite if they win against Martigues on Friday during the 33rd round.
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- Xavier Niel, the Créteil native and billionaire businessman, has invested in Union Sportive Créteil-Lusitanos' capital, aiming to help the club become a significant force in French football.
- The stadium where US Créteil-Lusitanos plays is not specified, but the reference to Paris FC moving to the Stade Jean-Bouin suggests there are shared sports connections between the two clubs.
- Créteil's socialist mayor, Laurent Cathala, has expressed optimism about Niel's involvement with US Créteil-Lusitanos, stating that it's beneficial for the city and football enthusiasts.
- While the details about specific sporting objectives for US Créteil-Lusitanos, such as promotion to Ligue 1, have not been revealed, Niel's vision includes investing in a state-of-the-art training center, professionalizing the club, and elevating Créteil's standing.
