Eleven out of twelve! Apart from Chambly, the reigning French champion, eleven of the twelve Top 12 clubs do not want the reform desired by the FFBaD. A reform which has not been the subject of any consultation with the majority of French clubs and which the federal leaders hoped to have adopted in all discretion.
The vote is scheduled for Saturday and, in a hurry, these same clubs consulted all last week until meeting Friday by videoconference. The result was a scathing press release, co-signed by everyone.
Go from eight to five games?
Administrative manager of team one of BC Rostren, Coline Sibéril has been heavily involved in writing this missive. In this reform, two points annoy him more than anything.
First, the change from 8 to 5 matches, with 3 doubles and 2 singles, instead of 4 doubles and 4 singles. The federation’s argument is to reduce the duration of matches, “without asking the question of better communication”, in order to attract more audiences. In Rostrenen, many spectators are delighted with the current spectacle. And then, reducing the number of players would be counterproductive in the face of the desire to train young French players. “In practice, this would mean that the singles would only be played by top players, foreigners or members of the French top 5”, protests Coline Sibéril. Exit a Paul Tournefier for example, while the Nantes resident is a Pôle France “relief” resident in Talence, reserved for 18-22 year olds.
“Form a working group”
Another big point of disagreement, a form of disdain towards the Interclubs. It is not uncommon for national directors to schedule meetings or tournaments on the dates listed on the calendar. “Xuefei (Qi) is forced to fight to come play,” explains Coline Sibéril.
Other ideas are easier to validate, such as the possibility of playing from Friday evening to Sunday evening or the desire to change the name (Top Elite instead of Top 12). But, more than anything, it’s the way that annoys. “They want to apply this reform from next season when we are two months away from the transfer period! A much too hasty approach, when a global reflection is to be carried out. “We ask, insists the young leader, that a working group be formed, with players, managers and club coaches”. The call is launched. He deserves to be heard.
