France's Oldest Club in Turmoil: Le Havre Rocked by Crisis as Outraged Fans Demand Change

Founded in 1872, Le Havre AC have plunged into a deep and unprecedented crisis. Languishing at the bottom of Ligue 1 with just two points from nine matches and staring down the threat of relegation, the club entered the new week without a head coach or a president.

Following a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, the club announced that head coach Digard had been relieved of his duties, while board members representing owners Blue Crow Sports Group accepted the resignation of president Roussier. According to the AP, his departure will be formally submitted and ratified on Thursday.

Roussier had been at the helm of the Normandy outfit since 2022, while Digard took over managerial duties in the summer of 2024. However, the exodus from key club positions does not stop there. French media report that sporting director Demba Ba and goalkeeping coach Nicolas Douchez are also leaving the club.

Blue Crow acquired Le Havre in July 2025, adding the club to their multi-club portfolio. "In the space of just a few days, everyone who embodied this club and helped secure our return to Ligue 1 (in 2023) and keep us there has been wiped from the organizational structure," three supporters' groups stated in a joint release.

Fans lay the blame squarely at the feet of Houston-based Blue Crow, who own several football clubs. "Blue Crow means absolutely nothing to Le Havre," they declared.

"Blue Crow Sports Group has destabilized Le Havre AC and proves more clearly each day that they have no idea how to run a football club, completely ignoring its history and identity. The impending disaster is entirely their responsibility." Le Havre return to action on Sunday when they face Lorient.

Digard, a former Le Havre player, had managed to keep the team in the top flight over the past two seasons. He leaves the club with a record of 17 wins, 20 draws, and 40 defeats. As reported by the AP, Le Havre have placed academy director Jair Karam in temporary charge.

Yacine Alaoui has been tasked with overseeing administrative and sporting matters until a new president and chief executive officer are appointed.