AJ Auxerre: James Zhou named president replacing Francis Graille who will remain on the club's board

"James Zhou (CHN), the club's majority shareholder, and president Francis Graille have agreed on changes to AJ Auxerre's (Ligue 2 BKT) management. James Zhou, until now owner of ORG and member of the board of directors, becomes president of AJ Auxerre. Francis Graille will be present on the AJA board of directors and will remain at the side of James Zhou," said the French club on 03/05/2021.

Francis Graille, former president of LOSC Lille (2001-2002) and Paris Saint-Germain (2003-2005), had held the same position at AJ Auxerre since 17/05/2017. He succeeded Guy Cotret, who had resigned a few days earlier. The Chinese businessmanJames Zhou has been the majority shareholder of the Burgundy club since October 2016.

"This new organisation will be made official at a board meeting to be held on 10/05/2021," added AJ Auxerre.

• Francis Graille has been a member of the board of directors of the Ligue de Football Professionnel since 20/07/2018, and a member of the bureau of the LFP since 24/09/2020 as the representative of Ligue 2.