Fayza Lamari has issued a ban on the use of mobile phones within the premises of Caen’s training center.
According to L’Equipe, the decision aims to help young players focus more on their development, enhance face-to-face communication, and build team spirit, rather than relying on electronic devices. However, this unprecedented move has sparked mixed opinions within French football.
Notably, Mrs. Lamari’s role at Caen has never been officially announced. Even so, she has held significant influence over the club’s decisions since Mbappe acquired an 80% stake in the club through the Coalition Capital investment fund in September 2024. The Real Madrid star spent around €15 million to take over Caen, while also paying off a major portion of the club’s outstanding debt.
Sporting Director Matthieu Bodmer immediately spoke out to defend Mrs. Lamari’s decision. The former French international shared: “That is a bold but fantastic decision. Young players are now talking to each other more, bonding better, and living as a true team.”
However, the Mbappe family still faces a fierce wave of criticism from fans after Caen fell to the third tier last season. Bodmer asserted that blaming Mbappe is unfair. He emphasized that Caen’s problems had existed for years before the French forward’s family took over the club.
The Sporting Director also revealed that he has not worked directly with Mbappe since taking office. Instead, all discussions mainly take place with Mrs. Lamari. L’Equipe describes Mbappe’s mother as having the biggest say in the day-to-day operations of Caen despite holding no official title.
