HEART OF GLASS

It wasn’t just Marseille who felt the consequences of their cheating

Whistleblower Jacques Glassman wasn’t exactly lauded in France for uncovering corruption – quite the opposite.

The Valenciennes man arguably came out of it worst of all. He was condemned as a snitch, jeered by supporters wherever he went, and even received threatening letters. His club were relegated in 1992- 93 and then again the following year, when he was released.

The struggle to find another club took Glassman to amateur team Maubeuge, before he finished his career with Sainte- Rose on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion ( later, he maintained that this wasn’t his entry into exile; rather, “the project won me over”).

There was a happy ending, at least. In 1995, FIFA presented him with their annual Fair Play Award, and since then, even the likes of Eydelie have saluted his bravery.

Glassman went on to work for France’s players’ union, prior to taking up a position with the LFP.