“The association is willing to sign the agreement, but not with President Cohen. There have been dysfunctions and serious failings at the club. Maurice Cohen’s catastrophic and disastrous management, with an audit pending.”
“Our financial statements available on the Internet show recurring profits. Maurice Cohen’s management resulted in profits of €939,000 in 2002-03, €908,000 in 2003-04, €1,918,000 in 2004-05, and €1,525,000 last year. Not exactly a disastrous management!
I am proud of the results of our work and being able to invest without constantly asking shareholders to reach into their pockets to improve the club. As for the allegations of embezzlement, it’s embezzlement of what… minors, funds, assets, or an airplane? A lot of rumors are circulating but I don’t know what I am really accused of because I have not yet received anything official. I feel very comfortable in this case and I consider that there has been an attempt to tarnish my reputation and depending on the evidence, I will know how to defend myself.”
The war has been declared and the feud is indeed heated between the association and the SASP OGC Nice. Admittedly, the club could have done without this new affair, and Maurice Cohen has decided to no longer respond to any questions on this subject after the press conference. “The general interest must prevail and we must work in complete serenity. I hope that we will finally be able to sit at the same table to move forward, which has never been possible until now?”
“If tomorrow I have to not sign the agreement for the good of the club, I will not sign. I want to do everything for the good of this club that came looking for me at Cavigal.” The red and black President is ready to make concessions while clarifying that it was not with himself that the agreement had to be signed, but with the SASP.
So, a quarrel between men or a real desire to do what is best for the club? Everyone sees what they want and believes they hold the absolute truth; it is hoped that the working meeting promised during the press conference will be able to take place, and not result in a new “mess” that would further burden an already tense atmosphere in a club that really needs calm and serenity to fight against an all-too-close relegation.
“I am revitalized and eager to fight with this superb coach, Antonetti, and this team that has regained the rage to win and to pull through. I have no intention of letting go, and I don’t give a damn what some people think of me.”
The closing statement of Maurice Cohen’s press conference fell like a guillotine, sending his detractors back to a place usually reserved for rugby peers. The carnival was the scene of the great scrum, and some still seem to have “their heads in the pack.”
