Almost five months before the start of the soccer World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, there is great unrest in title contenders France: A trio led by captain Wendie Renard has surprisingly announced their retirement from the national team.
Olympique Lyon star defender Renard shared on social media on Friday (02/24/2023) that she could “no longer support the current system.”
Shortly thereafter, the forwards closed Kadidiatou Diani (27) and Marie Antoinette Katoto (24) on. The two players from Paris St. Germain also announced their resignation. They demanded on social networks “necessary changes” in the management of the team.
Criticism from the star trio around Renard and an ultimatum to the association
“I love France more than anything, I’m far from perfect, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from what is required at the highest level“, said the 142-time national player Renard. Under such conditions, she will not participate in the finals in Australia and New Zealand (July 20 to August 20), wrote the eight-time Champions League winner.
Relationship between Renard and Diacre is considered charged
It is “a sad but necessary day to keep my mental health“, Renard continued. “My face may hide the pain. But my heart suffers. And I don’t want to suffer anymore.” This could be taken as a reference to the relationship with the French national coach Corinne Diacre. Renard mentioned Diacre not in her statement, but her relationship has been considered burdened for a long time.
Diacre had taken the captain’s armband from the defense chief in 2017, and in autumn 2021 the role was reversed. In the most recent international break, Renard still had her team at “Tournoi de FranceAt the home invitational tournament, Les Bleues recorded two wins against Denmark and Uruguay and a draw against Norway. The 1.87m tall centre-back has completed 142 for France since her debut in 2011.
Support from Hegerberg: “Time to act”
The statements made by the players around Renard can also be interpreted as more general criticism of the lack of professionalism and the management style at the French association. Ada Hegerberg, Renard’s team-mate at Olympique, immediately signaled support and bemoaned the lack of respect for the national soccer players: “How much longer do we have to fight these tough battles? I feel for you, Wendie. And with everyone else who feels the same way. It’s time to act.“The Norwegian Hegerberg had meanwhile also stopped playing for the national team in protest against the discrimination against players.
France’s association reacts
The French Football Federation (FFF) reacted cautiously in a first statement. The association announced that the Executive Committee would consider the matter next Tuesday. At the same time, the officials reiterated in their statement that “no individual about the institution french national team” stand.