LENS, France -- Lens say the financial watchdog of French football has partially lifted the transfer ban imposed on the club after they received 2.5 million euros ($3.12 million) from Azerbaijan investors.
Lens won promotion last season but were banned from joining the top league on financial grounds, with the club short of 10 million euros ($13.4 million) in their budget.
The northern French side were ultimately authorised to play in the top flight after the French federation agreed to replace the ban with financial limitations on the club.
Lens president Gervais Martel says he doesn't plan "a revolution" but is trying to secure the arrival of new players during the January transfer window. The club are currently second from bottom in the Ligue 1 standings, three points away from safety.