Lens have claimed owner Hafiz Mammadov did not provide the funds required to allow them to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closed.
The northerners finally saw their promotion to the top flight validated by the DNCG, French football's financial watchdog, just before the start of the season after initially being told their uncertain financial situation would see them remain in Ligue 2.
However, despite giving last season's second-tier runners-up the green light, the DNCG told them they would not be allowed to sign a player until Mammadov had put four million euros into the club's account.
With the wealthy Azeri, who recently acquired Sheffield Wednesday, not making the necessary transfer, the club released a statement explaining to concerned fans why they had seen no new faces added to Antoine Kombouare's squad.
"Racing Club de Lens has not been able to recruit during the summer transfer window as the majority shareholder has not, for the moment, carried out the transfer of funds initially agreed upon.
"This situation should be clarified in the coming days and so allow RCL to recruit free agents in order to reinforce the current squad."