Saint Etienne's board believed last summer was the right time to sell Wesley Fofana.
The defender has been outstanding for Leicester City in his first season in England after his departure from ASSE.
Fofana was sold for €35m and Le Parisien reports it was a decision from the board to cash in knowing about the problems for TV broadcasters Mediapro.
There was concern the Ligue 1 TV deal was about to collapse, so it was decided to take Leicester up on their offer.
Indeed, it's suggested the fee raised has helped ASSE cover wages for Fofana's former teammates.
