The FFF suspended national technical director Francois Blaquart following allegations of a racial quota for youth players. Reports suggest a secret approval to limit black and Arab players to 30% in academies. Blaquart claims comments were misinterpreted, while an investigation is underway. Sports Minister Jouanno and FFF president Duchaussoy support the suspension pending the inquiry’s results.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has suspended its national technical director, Francois Blaquart, following allegations regarding a secret racial quota for trainees. Reports indicate that high-ranking FFF members allegedly authorized a restriction, setting the limit of black and Arab players to 30% for youth aged 12 to 13. Blaquart, along with French national team coach Laurent Blanc, contended that their statements were misinterpreted.
An inquiry into these claims, initially reported by the French site Mediapart, is expected to conclude within eight days. Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno, along with FFF president Fernand Duchaussoy, instituted Blaquart’s suspension. “The suspension is pending the conclusions of an investigation led by the FFF and the IGJS [General Inspection of Youth and Sports],” said Jouanno.
Mediapart reported on Thursday, citing FFF insiders, that Blaquart proposed the implementation of racial quotas to curb the number of black and Arab players in youth academies. A detailed account from a meeting included comments from Blaquart wishing to reduce the presence of mainly black and North African youths with dual nationality in French training centers.
Blanc was also quoted as expressing his support for quotas in this context. Mediapart characterized the comments as evident racism. In response, Blaquart acknowledged the remarks but urged for their contextual understanding regarding the management of players with dual nationality.
Blanc has vigorously denied any intentions to enforce quotas, clarifying his stance against discrimination while apologizing for any offending remarks made during the discussion. FFF president Duchaussoy similarly negated any directives aimed at limiting players of black or Arab descent.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
