Saïd Chabane, Owner of Angers SCO, Drops Appeal in Sexual Assault Case
Saïd Chabane, the owner of the Angers Sporting Club de l’Ouest (SCO), has withdrawn his appeal against his 2024 conviction for sexual assault. The announcement was made on February 28th by the public prosecutor’s office of the Court of Appeal of Angers. This decision effectively makes the initial ruling definitive, both criminally and civilly.
On March 22, 2024, the Angers criminal court in Maine-et-Loire found Chabane guilty of sexual assault by a person abusing the authority conferred upon them by their position. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred between January 2014 and December 2019, involving six victims. He was acquitted in a seventh case due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
During the trial, former employees of both Angers SCO and Chabane’s charcuterie business testified to experiencing unwanted physical contact. Their accounts included allegations of forced embraces and inappropriate touching of their buttocks and breasts. Chabane had consistently denied the accusations, and his legal team initially announced their intention to appeal the verdict immediately following his conviction.
"Saïd Chabane having withdrawn his appeal on February 26, 2025, and the public prosecutor’s office having subsequently withdrawn its principal appeal, the judgment of March 22, 2024, is now final both on the criminal and civil levels," the public prosecutor’s office stated.
Given that the sentence is eligible for alternative arrangements, Chabane is likely to avoid imprisonment. During the initial sentencing, the court ordered his registration in the Fijais, the French registry of sex offenders. He will also be required to pay a total of €38,000 in compensation to the civil parties involved in the case.
In a statement released by his lawyers, Bernard Benaïem and Pascal Rouiller, it was revealed that Chabane’s decision was driven by a desire to protect his family, friends, and the numerous witnesses who testified in his favor from the ordeal of a protracted legal battle. "After careful consideration, Mr. Chabane chose to spare his loved ones, his family, his friends, but also the many witnesses who had testified in his favor, from the ordeal of a new legal saga. After months of fighting, he decided on his own to turn the page and leave behind this painful episode in a spirit of appeasement," they explained.
Chabane’s tenure as owner of Angers SCO, which began in 2011, has been marked by significant sporting achievements. He is widely credited as a key figure in the club’s remarkable turnaround, including its return to Ligue 1 in 2015 and again in 2024, following a stint in Ligue 2 in 2023.
The withdrawal of the appeal brings to a close a highly publicized and sensitive case that has cast a shadow over the club and its owner. While Chabane’s contributions to the sporting success of Angers SCO are undeniable, the allegations and subsequent conviction have undoubtedly tarnished his reputation and raised questions about the culture within the organization.
The victims’ testimonies painted a disturbing picture of a workplace environment where power dynamics were exploited and boundaries were crossed. The fact that multiple women came forward with similar accounts suggests a pattern of behavior that extends beyond isolated incidents.
The decision to drop the appeal, while presented as a move to protect those close to him, also avoids further scrutiny and potential revelations that could have emerged during a second trial. It allows Chabane to move on, albeit with a criminal record and a lasting stain on his legacy.
For the victims, the finality of the court’s decision offers a sense of closure, although the emotional and psychological impact of their experiences will likely endure. The compensation awarded to them acknowledges the harm they suffered, but no amount of money can fully erase the trauma they endured.
The case also raises broader questions about the responsibility of sports organizations to protect their employees and ensure a safe and respectful working environment. It underscores the importance of robust policies and procedures for reporting and addressing allegations of misconduct, and the need for strong leadership that prioritizes ethical behavior and accountability.
The future of Angers SCO under Chabane’s continued ownership remains uncertain. While he has been instrumental in the club’s success on the field, the conviction may impact his ability to effectively lead the organization and attract sponsors and partners. The club’s management will need to carefully consider the potential implications and take steps to mitigate any negative fallout.
Ultimately, the Saïd Chabane case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual harassment and assault, and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or power. It highlights the courage of the victims who came forward to share their stories and the need for continued efforts to create a society where such behavior is no longer tolerated. The impact of this case will likely resonate within Angers SCO and the wider French football community for some time to come.
