On the day of Bernard Lacombe's funeral, the future of Olympique Lyonnais, relegated to Ligue 2, becomes a political issue.

On Wednesday, June 25, on the sweltering forecourt of the church in Fontaines-sur-Saône (Rhône), north of Lyon, 50-year-old William (who did not wish to give his last name) held a Panini album close to his heart, like a precious breviary. Wearing sunglasses and a sad face, the Olympique Lyonnais (OL) supporter explained that his father had passed on his passion for football and the club to him by giving him this booklet dating from the 1978 World Cup. Inside, there were photos of players, some signed. One in particular: that of Bernard Lacombe, with his gentle gaze and boxer's nose. "I ran into him on a restaurant terrace, and he signed with incredible kindness. He was the soul of OL," William said, moved, as the funeral of the former center forward and long-time OL advisor, who died on Tuesday, June 17, at the age of 72, took place.

After the ceremony, William went back to collect signatures on the France 78 team page, approaching Marius Trésor, Dominique Rocheteau, and Didier Six, all of whom came to pay their last respects to the genius player, the top French scorer in the national championship. Alain Giresse left his mark, even though he was injured that year. Serge Chiesa and Fleury Di Nallo dropped by discreetly. Along with Lacombe, they formed a fiery trio.

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