On July 1, Mohamed Haouas will be a Clermont player. The industrial tribunal confirmed this on Monday by dismissing the ASM’s request for the suspension of the pillar’s contract because of his recent conviction for domestic violence. A victory for the former Montpellier resident and one of his lawyers, Maître Marc Gallix. The latter, questioned by RMC Sport, however opened the door to a negotiated departure in the form of an amicable financial agreement between his player and the Auvergne club.
“He knows it will be difficult in Clermont as the club have made it known that they don’t want it. He expects to face some hostility. I don’t see how he could play for a club where he is now officially employed but with an atmosphere that would not allow him to play and flourish. I think that the best solution for Mohamed Haouas will be, at some point, to find an amicable solution with the club,” said Me Gallix.
The lawyer announces that the ex-international – Fabien Galthié and the FFR announced that he was no longer selectable due to his legal disputes – will appear for training on July 1 with a bailiff. “We will see how the Clermont club will react. Will they finally go back, as they were dismissed from an emergency procedure. Will they try to find common ground? There are two ways to find common ground. Either Clermont releases him but in return for financial compensation; or they keep it at the club and they forget everything they said. Including false things, namely that we hid from the club the problems he had had with the law.
In the event of an amicable financial agreement to end his contract in Clermont, Mohamed Haouas (29) would then find himself free to sign where he wants. Most likely in Pro D2 where Agen and Biarritz would have shown interest, according to the player’s agent. “Mohamed Haouas will take what we give him and what will be the most interesting for him in relation to the financial commitments he has made (he bought a house in Clermont, editor’s note). His priority is to play rugby for another six or seven years. If clubs that have ambitions to get into the Top 14 offer him a contract… It will necessarily be a contract below what Clermont offers him but which would allow him to meet his financial deadlines, he will accept it.
