For the latest interview in the SLO Spotlight series, we head to France and Ligue 1 to learn from Olympique Lyonnais’s SLO Titouan Chenavard.
Titouan’s role at OL, where he leads the supporter liaison department, covers both the men’s and women’s teams. He is one of a number of SLOs who have experienced working at European away matches for both their club’s men’s and women’s teams.
The SLO landscape in France is complex with clubs at varying stages of implementation of the role and several national factors creating a challenging environment for SLOs to work in. However, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) and clubs have made significant progress since 2016 following the inclusion of a mandatory SLO requirement in the country’s sport law.
Since then, the LFP and clubs have been active in taking part in various supporter liaison projects over the years and participating in the SLO Education Programme delivered by FSE and UEFA Academy.
How long have you been your club’s SLO, and what made you decide to want to do the role at your club?
“I’ve been the SLO at Olympique Lyonnais since 2019. As a lifelong supporter born and raised in the region, OL has always been the club closest to my heart. From a young age, I dreamed of one day working for the club. I discovered the SLO role relatively late, which says a lot about how the position still needs greater recognition. Once I stepped into the role, I quickly understood the depth of its responsibilities and impact. Today, I feel fortunate to be fully committed to serving both the club and its supporters on a daily basis.”
You are often present at men’s and women’s teams matches, what are the biggest similarities on the matchdays for you in working with the supporters attending?
“One of the Olympique Lyonnais key strengths is having a top-level women’s team with a loyal supporter base, both at home and away matches. We regularly assign an SLO to the women’s team’s matches as the standard of supporter liaison should be consistent across all sections of the club.
“The core responsibilities remain the same, being available, anticipating issues and risks, and facilitating communication between supporters, clubs, and all matchday stakeholders.
“Beyond the men’s and women’s teams, we’re sometimes also involved in youth matches when supporters ask to attend. Our presence ensures continuity and support wherever OL is represented.”
And the biggest differences?
“The two main differences are the type of audience in the stands and the overall attendance figures. Men’s team matches tend to be more complex to manage, mainly due to the larger number of supporters and the higher level of activity in the stands. This naturally increases the risks and the volume of requests we handle, making these matchdays more challenging from an operational point of view.”
How have you found the experience of working at the men’s team’s European away matches?
“Honestly, it’s been a great experience. European matches are always a real challenge, and after a few years without consistently qualifying, it’s a pleasure to be back in these competitions. They give us the opportunity to discover new stadiums, supporter cultures, and very different operational models, all of which are incredibly enriching.
“We also get to meet high-quality counterparts abroad. The issues we face can be quite different from what we’re used to in France, which pushes us to adapt and improve. And on a lighter note, it’s also a great way to improve our English, which, let’s be honest, is still a work in progress for many of us in France!
“Working as an SLO in Europe also shows that a different approach to supporter management by police and authorities is possible. In France, we still face significant issues in this area, while other countries often achieve better results with fewer resources. Although some progress has been made, I believe this is a crucial area where improvement is urgently needed.”
You lead the supporter liaison department at your club, what is the biggest advantage to having more than one person at the club dedicated to supporter liaison?
“OL is fortunate to be a club that has taken supporter-related matters seriously for many years. In fact, the club was a pioneer in France, appointing its first SLO back in 2006. While there’s always room for improvement, we strive every day to fulfil our role as effectively as possible for both the club and its supporters.
“Our department now includes three full-time staff members, which allows us to divide tasks efficiently and avoid 70-hour work weeks. It also gives us the capacity to go further on strategic topics, provide a higher level of service to our supporters, and be more available to them.
“For example, we’re currently working on improving the welcome experience for visiting supporters by dedicating one of our SLOs entirely to the away sector, similar to what is done in Germany. This kind of initiative would be impossible in clubs where a single SLO has to handle everything.”
Within your department, how do you assign the different responsibilities?
“We try to divide all our responsibilities as efficiently as possible between the three of us. Depending on the time of year, as well as each person’s strengths and interests, we assign different topics and matchday duties accordingly. We also make sure to rotate match attendance between us so that everyone can occasionally enjoy a weekend off, it’s essential for maintaining balance over the course of a long season.”
What’s been the biggest change in your role since you become SLO?
“Like many areas in football, the SLO role is constantly evolving. But if I had to highlight one major change, it would be the shift in club leadership and the departure of Jean-Michel Aulas. After 37 years as club president, he had a unique relationship with the supporters and played a key role in shaping the culture of the stands. His presidency truly marked the rise of OL’s supporter identity. With a new ownership and management structure now in place, the dialogue continues, but any leadership change brings new dynamics, especially when it follows such a long and symbolic tenure.
“Another important, though more gradual, change is the growing recognition of the SLO role across professional football. In the early days, it was a role that struggled to gain visibility and legitimacy. It took time and sustained efforts from active SLOs, national leagues, such as the LFP in France, which has done a lot in this regard, and organisations like FSE to establish it as a key position. Today, I feel that our voice is more often heard and taken into account. However, there’s still progress to be made, especially in the lower divisions where SLOs are often undervalued, which is a real concern.”
How well are you known by your colleagues at OL and the supporters?
“Raising awareness of our role within the club is part of our daily work. We always try to engage with colleagues in a positive and open way, taking the time to explain our mission, responsibilities, and also to highlight the value of our supporter groups, their voluntary work, their dedication, and their passion for the club. We also occasionally give internal presentations or talks to provide a broader understanding of the role of an SLO.
“As for supporters, I’m well known by all the representatives of the official groups, with whom I’m in contact daily. Individual supporters who are not part of any group also tend to know me, particularly through away games where they see me regularly, which helps create a more informal, yet important connection.
“My hope is that one day our department will become the go-to contact point for all OL supporters, whether they belong to a group or not. But that requires time, visibility, and stronger staffing to make it truly effective.”
How well do you know the other SLOs in France? Do you help each other a lot?
“The French SLO network works very well. We regularly communicate with each other ahead of matches and have a shared group chat where we can freely exchange ideas, ask questions, and share best practices. Mutual support is at the heart of these interactions. The LFP also plays an important role in facilitating dialogue between us, regularly organising seminars and dedicated discussion sessions.
“These moments are valuable, and there’s a strong sense of goodwill among French SLOs. Everyone is open to dialogue and willing to help one another. That said, the pace of our respective seasons often forces us to prioritise matchdays and supporter needs, which can sometimes push inter-SLO collaboration into the background. Strengthening the role and providing additional resources would certainly help us maintain and deepen this important network.”
What advice would you give to those new to the SLO role?
“Make the most of it. We’re lucky to work in a field that many people dream of, one that’s driven by passion and emotion. Emotion is truly at the heart of what we do. We get to experience titles, victories, and unforgettable moments up close. It’s a privilege, and it’s important to keep that in mind.
“That same passion is also what helps you stay grounded during the tougher times. When things get challenging, remembering why you started, and the unique nature of this role can make all the difference.”
FSE would like to sincerely thank Titouan Chenavard and OL for taking part in the interview.
The previous interview in the series with Molde FK SLO Svein Erik can be found here.
Learn more about SLOs and FSE’s role in developing the SLO position here.
Contact us to find out more about the Supporter Liaison Officer role here.
[Photo Credits: Damien LG/Lyubomir DOMOZETSKI]