The news from the Blues, on the sidelines of this Euro and their victory Monday evening against Austria (1-0), is also the arrival at the head of the National Rally in the European elections in France and its possible rise to power after the dissolution recorded by the President of the Republic. In this burning context, two players more than others wanted to deliver a strong message, Marcus Thuram and Kylian Mbappé, the first even calling to block the path of the far-right party. Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, was at a press conference this Tuesday, questioned on the subject.
Is there a difference between the players and the Federation on the French political situation?
PHILIPPE DIALLO. There is no problem. From the start, I have been clear. First by talking to the players. I discussed and informed the players in advance of my decisions, the captain and the vice-captain, it was done in full harmony. I have always said that I guarantee players freedom of expression. These are young men who have an outlook on society. It is not right to restrict them on subjects that concern the younger generation. I myself said that it is very good to call people to vote, it is a civic duty. Some went further. I respect this position. I am president of the Federation, not party leader. I have no voting instructions to give. I must ensure a principle of neutrality. Our Federation brings together the French in their diversity of opinion.
Would you be willing to work with a far-right Sports Minister?
I just said it. We are respectful of the republican tradition. Democratic elections produce the results they produce. As a federal institution, we will respect the choice of the French.
Are you proud of your captain’s words before Austria – France?
This is not the first time that the players have expressed themselves. I am not here to incite them but I respect their freedom of expression. We have generations who are interested in all subjects, we should be grateful for that. The DNA of the French team is a team that brings people together. It brings people together in a very broad way. We had 12,000 French people at the stadium, many in front of the television. The link with the French remains very strong. There are so many ways of dividing that it has the merit of bringing people together.
A collective initiative is underway. Are you aware of it, do you support it?
I try to establish a regular dialogue with the players, for understanding on both sides. I am aware of this possible initiative. At this point, I don’t have the contents. In what form, according to what timetable, I am not able to answer.
Does the duty of neutrality that you put forward concern the Blues internally or does it concern the outside?
I consider that when they express themselves, they do so as individuals. I have seen political groups pull statements towards themselves. I do not want any political recovery. I do not want the French team to be exploited during this period.
Don’t you want to give your opinion, given the unprecedented situation?
I have opinions. In the position I hold, you have to put aside your opinions to defend the French team and the institution. With so many licensees, all opinions are represented. If unfortunately yellow lines were to be crossed, the Federation and I would take our responsibilities.
Did you warn them?
They are used to the media. They have such media power, in their position, they must be vigilant about recovery. This is something I reminded them of. They pointed out the obvious, recalling what the values of the Republic are. There is no difference between what the players say and the Federation. In my functions, I have to defend the values of the Republic. I am in full communion of thought and action with them.
Finally, you follow in the wake of Marcus Thuram and Kylian Mbappé…
I’m not in any wake. When I talk about the principle of neutrality, the Federation has a public service mission which is to preserve the values of the Republic. The players express it individually and my responsibility is that they can express it.
If certain lines were crossed, you say that you would take responsibility. Does this mean you would resign?
I don’t write political fiction. I am the one who is the guarantor of the values of the Republic within the Federation.
Would you prohibit a collective call for players to vote against the RN?
The positions were different, with some speaking from the extremes. There are clarifications to be had on the trajectories to be had. I am the guarantor of their freedom of expression. I tell them to always be vigilant regarding the concern for unity, to implement the values that bring the French together. We have the chance to give the French a haven of peace. We must preserve this. I ask them to consider unity and coming together.
