On Tuesday, the French national team was still happy about a successful start to the World Cup year. A 0-0 draw with Norway after wins against Denmark and Uruguay was enough to win the Tournoi de France. But the appearance at this preparatory tournament quickly faded into the background. Almost five months before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (July 20th to August 20th), the team was deeply shaken by temporary resignations, which put national coach Corinne Diacre under pressure.
“I love France more than anything, I’m far from perfect but I can no longer approve of the current system which is far from what is required at the highest level,” Wendie Renard wrote in a statement she recently released published on social media. And Renard is, after all, the captain, head of defense and, with 142 caps, by far the most experienced in the current squad. “It’s a sad but necessary day to keep my sanity,” said the Olympique Lyon player: “Unfortunately, I won’t be playing this World Cup under the current conditions. My face may hide the pain, but the heart does suffers… and I don’t want to suffer anymore.”
In the comments and also in their own contributions, the elite of women’s football gathered behind Renard. Among others, Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg and world champions Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe from the USA pledged their support. “How much longer do we have to go on like this for us to be respected? I’m with you Wendie and with everyone else who is going through the same processes. It’s time to act,” wrote Hegerberg, who herself spent years striving for Norway’s national team had boycotted better conditions.
Even if Diacre is not mentioned by name, the national coach should be meant above all
And as if the tremors triggered by Renard’s lines weren’t severe enough, soon afterwards strikers Kadidiatou Diani, 27, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, 24, of Paris Saint-Germain (114 international caps together) released similar statements. What is happening in France is reminiscent of the statement made by fifteen Spanish internationals in September who were “currently unable to take part in international matches because of their “emotional and therefore health condition”.
She is no longer in line with the leadership of the national team and the values represented, Katoto wrote: “I therefore make the decision to suspend my career until the necessary changes are implemented”. Diani stated that she would only return when “the necessary profound changes finally occur”. Griedge Mbock, who is currently injured, wrote of her colleagues’ move: “It is above all a cry from the heart that hopefully will be heard.”
National coach Corinne Diacre has repeatedly been criticized.
(Photo: Jean-Francois Monier/AFP)
Renard, Katoto and Diani didn’t go into detail. But even if they didn’t mention Diacre, the 48-year-old should be meant above all. In autumn 2017, the former record national player took over the selection, since then there has been criticism and crises again and again. Most recently, there was talk of power struggles, a broken relationship of trust and a strict management style around the EM 2022. Diacre obviously doesn’t get along with some players. The relationship with Renard is considered to be strained, not least since Diacre took away her captain’s armband in 2017, only to appoint her again as leader in autumn 2021. Something seems to have finally broken.
Association President Noël Le Graët is also under pressure, he is considered a supporter of Diacres
At the European Championship it seemed as if the relationship between Diacre and her players had improved. France reached the semifinals for the first time since the 2012 Olympics. The fact that they lost this against the Germans again prevented the longed-for major title, but it seemed like a much-needed boost. The atmosphere in the neighborhood, it was said at the time, was better than it had been since the collaboration began, also because Diacre was trying to be less authoritarian.
The French Football Federation (FFF) responded promptly to the withdrawals. “The FFF has taken note of the statements made by Wendie Renard, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto,” the association said. “The Executive Committee will deal with the issue on February 28. The FFF would like to remind you that no individual is above the institution Équipe de France.” Can you afford a massive sporting weakening at the World Cup without these players? Diacre’s contract was extended to August 2024 last summer. But can the national coach still be held at all?
Which side the FFF is on should also be related to another personality, about which, according to the sports newspaper The Team to be decided at Tuesday’s board meeting. Because association president Noël Le Graët is also under pressure. The 81-year-old is being investigated for allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. Le Graët has been out of office since January 11, and he has denied the allegations. A report by the Paris Ministry of Sport concludes that Le Graët can no longer lead the federation, according to the AFP news agency. Le Graët is considered a supporter of Diacre and she his protégé.
