Fayza Lamari, the mother of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, has introduced a complete ban on mobile phones inside SM Caen’s training-centre facilities, in a move that has prompted widespread debate in French football.
Lamari’s decision is intended to support the development of the club’s young players and encourage stronger relationships between them by reducing the distractions associated with smartphones, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
The report did not specify Lamari’s official position or administrative title at the club, which suffered a painful relegation to France’s third tier last season.
Bodmer backs ‘bold’ decision
New SM Caen sporting director Mathieu Bodmer has publicly welcomed the policy, describing it as an important part of the wider strategy being developed under the Mbappe family’s ownership.
“The Mbappe family’s project with the young players interests me enormously. If you saw what is being put in place in education, accommodation, nutrition and human support, you would understand the scale of the work being done,” Bodmer told reporters.
He added: “Fayza has imposed a total ban on mobile phone use inside the training centre, and it is a fantastic and bold decision that has allowed the young players to talk, interact and live together much better than before.”
The policy forms part of a broader programme focused on the club’s academy and the welfare of its young players. Lamari has not been publicly assigned a clearly defined official role, but L’Equipe says she is closely involved in the club’s day-to-day affairs.
Mbappe investment
Mbappe, who currently plays for Real Madrid, acquired the majority stake in SM Caen in September 2024.
His investment fund, Coalition Capital, committed €15m to purchase 80% of the club’s shares. Mbappe also paid off a substantial part of the club’s accumulated debts. The remaining 20% is owned by Pierre-Antoine Capton, who is the club’s current chairman.
The takeover was expected to provide financial stability and a long-term plan for Caen, but the club’s subsequent relegation has intensified scrutiny of the new ownership group.
Many supporters have directed strong criticism at Mbappe and his family, holding them responsible for the club’s dramatic fall into the third division. The relegation was historic and is regarded as one of the most damaging episodes in the history of the long-established club.
Bodmer rejected the suggestion that the family should bear full responsibility for the decline.
“I think these criticisms are completely unfair, and I am not saying that simply because Kylian is the club’s main owner. There were serious difficulties already in place before the Mbappe family arrived,” he said.
“Yes, what happened was the result of mistakes that had accumulated over several years, as happens at every club going through a crisis. I have enormous respect for his courageous investment at a time when the circumstances were extremely complicated and risky.”
Bodmer yet to speak directly to Mbappe
Bodmer, who played for SM Caen between 1998 and 2003, also said he had not spoken directly to Mbappe since taking up his new role.
He insisted that the relationship between the sporting department and the club’s principal owner would remain professional and would not interfere with Mbappe’s playing career.
“The day we genuinely need to communicate, it will happen naturally and automatically. Kylian has an exceptional football career to manage and focus on,” Bodmer said.
“For me, my greatest satisfaction and highest objective is to be able to tell Kylian: listen, do not worry about us at all. We will manage things efficiently and professionally.”
Although her formal responsibilities remain unclear, L’Equipe reports that Bodmer communicates more regularly and smoothly with Lamari than with Mbappe. The newspaper says she devotes considerable time and effort to running the club’s affairs on a daily basis, making her the most influential figure behind strategic decisions at SM Caen.
