AS Monaco finds itself in a peculiar and financially burdensome predicament, willingly incurring substantial weekly penalties due to their head coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, operating without the required professional license. This unusual scenario has led to fines accumulating to hundreds of thousands of euros, sparking widespread discussion about the club's decision-making and its impact on their standing in French football.
The root of this costly issue lies in French football regulations, which stipulate that all head coaches in national league and cup matches must possess a valid professional coaching license. Sébastien Pocognoli, despite leading the team since October 2025, is still in the process of obtaining his license, with an anticipated completion in the summer. This regulatory non-compliance triggers a hefty €25,000 fine for every match he oversees from the sidelines. Despite attempts to circumvent these rules, such as formally listing assistant coach Damien Perrinelle—who was also found to be unlicensed—the club continues to face the penalties. This has resulted in the head coach position officially remaining vacant on match reports.
The financial implications are staggering. With Pocognoli having coached 17 national competitive matches, the fines have already reached €425,000. Should he remain in his position until the end of the current season, this sum is projected to escalate to a staggering €750,000. What makes this situation even more perplexing for fans and observers is the team's less-than-stellar performance under Pocognoli's tenure; AS Monaco has managed only four victories in Ligue 1 and is currently positioned in a disappointing tenth place. The club's apparent acceptance of these substantial penalties, coupled with the team's mediocre results, has prompted questions regarding the rationale behind this costly strategy and the long-term vision for the football club.
This ongoing saga highlights a unique intersection of sporting regulations, financial decision-making, and team performance, leaving many to wonder what drives AS Monaco to continue down this expensive path despite the escalating costs and the team's struggle for success on the pitch.