Le Mans FC is facing criticism following the announcement that Idrissa Gueye has joined the club as an investor. The LGBT+ centre Homogène, based in Sarthe, publicly deplored the decision on Tuesday, citing the Senegalese international midfielder's past positions.
Homogène highlighted that the midfielder, currently at Everton and a former Paris Saint-Germain player, repeatedly refused to wear the rainbow jersey during anti-homophobia campaigns. "These actions have provoked strong reactions within our ranks and the general public, including a condemnation from the National Ethics Council of the French Football Federation," the association stated. In 2022, the CNE said Gueye's refusal validated discriminatory behaviour, an episode that led PSG to distance itself by calling it a personal choice.
The association fears the investor's involvement could lead to a normalisation of homophobic behaviour in football. It is also concerned about the image of the city of Le Mans, which it considers a pioneer in LGBT+ rights struggles. This announcement comes as Senegal adopted a law in March increasing penalties for homosexuality. Andie Karsten, the president of Homogène, also addressed a call to boycott the club from an unknown collective. "We think it's the initiative of a single person." she said, noting the collective has no legal status.
The club, which recently returned to Ligue 1 after a sixteen-year absence, has not responded to requests for comment on the controversy. The new leadership, led by president Pedro Oliveira who presented his governance plans on July 7th, must now manage this dispute alongside sporting challenges. Le Mans FC currently sits 9th in the championship with 6 points after five matchdays, a solid performance for a promoted side. Their latest win, a 2-1 victory over Lorient on September 19th, demonstrates their good form. Supporters can check the full schedule of matches on our fixtures page.
On the pitch, the team is preparing for a perilous trip to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain, 6th in the table, on October 10th. The squad, which includes central defender Samuel Yohou who extended his contract until 2028, must remain focused despite the off-field turbulence. The complete player list is available in our squad section. The club must now balance its sporting ambitions, its economic project, and the values of inclusion it promotes. Their next challenge is a visit to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain on October 10th. The team has shown resilience this season, with a total of 463 goal minutes played.
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Le Mans FC confirmed Idrissa Gueye's arrival in a statement released on October 2. The club stated the 36-year-old Senegalese midfielder was joining a shareholder group including Lucas Leiva, Novak Djokovic, and Thibaut Courtois. Le Mans FC considers Gueye "an important sporting investment," the club said. The team, ninth with 6 points, has scored 9 goals this season. Its forward Adil Bourabaa has netted three.
