West Ham was accused by Lyon of “a profound lack of respect” and blamed for the breakdown of a loan agreement for Said Benrahma.

The 28-year-old Algerian winger was supposed to join the French team on loan on the day of the transfer deadline.

However, the Hammers acknowledged that a relocation was “unable to be completed before 11pm” in the wee hours of Friday morning.

We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.

Real Betis, however, is hoping that Pablo Fornals’ transfer would be approved despite a “computer problem” involving West Ham.

Lyon accused West Ham of failing to take the necessary steps to seal the deal after Benrahma’s move fell through.

The Ligue 1 team harshly denounced the Premier League team for their “incomprehensible behaviour” and stated, “Olympique Lyonnais deeply regrets this situation and this decision, demonstrating a profound lack of respect on the part of West Ham towards the institution and the player.”

Lyon added that they “reserve the right to undertake all appropriate procedures necessary to validate the transaction at a later date, and to hold West Ham responsible if necessary.” Lyon is controlled by Eagle Football Holdings, a company that is jointly owned by John Textor and Crystal Palace.

When asked why Benrahma’s transfer fell through, David Moyes, the manager of the Hammers, responded on Friday: “It appears that there were last-minute issues with the paperwork.” However, I didn’t find out about it until after I left the pitch late last night.”

In October 2020, Benrahma moved from Brentford to West Ham, and his contract there is good until 2026.

He opened scoring from the penalty spot in West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final last season.

The attacker was sent off in the FA Cup replay loss at Bristol City on January 16 and has not scored in 22 games this season. It was widely reported that Benrahma was left out of Algeria’s roster for the Africa Cup of Nations competition.