Latest news with #MarieBarsacq
RNZ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Anti-homophobia initiative turns sour in French football
By Julien Pretot , Reuters Lyon's Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic runs on the pitch with insignia covered up. Photo: AFP What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures. Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions, the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative. Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco. The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement, calling for decisive action. "Football has a massive platform, and the [French Football] Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said. "Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied." Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive. Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out. Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me." Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia. "I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100 percent of people who agree [with the fight against homophobia]. And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem." - Reuters
The Guardian
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ligue 1 left embarrassed after anti-homophobia matchday causes controversy
What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. The Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan both concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures. Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal beliefs — the third time the Egypt international has opted out of the initiative. Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at half-time in the tunnel during their game against Monaco. The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action. 'Football has a massive platform, and the [French Footbal] Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda,' Barsacq said. 'Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied.' Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive. Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out. Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although the former France international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: 'If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The Nice full-back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia. 'I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree. And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem,' he said.
Reuters
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Anti-homophobia initiative turns sour in French football with player no-show, slur
PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) - What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures. Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions — the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative. Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco. The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action. "Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said. "Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied." Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive. Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out. Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me." Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia. "I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100% of people who agree (with the fight against homophobia). And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem," he said.
CNA
19-05-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Anti-homophobia initiative turns sour in French football with player no-show, slur
PARIS :What was meant to be a weekend of solidarity against homophobia in Ligue 1 descended into controversy and embarrassment for French football, as players refused to wear campaign symbols, one striker boycotted his team's match, and a homophobic slur was heard in a stadium tunnel. Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Nemanja Matic and Le Havre's Ahmed Hassan concealed the French league's anti-homophobia insignia during Saturday's fixtures. Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed withdrew from his side's match against Montpellier, citing personal convictions — the third time the Egyptian international has opted out of the initiative. Meanwhile, Lens defender Jonathan Gradit was heard directing a homophobic insult at halftime in the tunnel during their game against Monaco. The string of incidents prompted France's new sports minister, Marie Barsacq, to issue a pointed statement on Sunday, calling for decisive action. "Football has a massive platform, and the (French Football) Federation is determined to put this issue on the clubs' and supporters' agenda," Barsacq said. "Homophobic insults and behaviour are no longer acceptable. Society has evolved, and the language in football must change with it. There's a full range of sanctions available, and they must be applied." Ligue 1 had planned for players to wear rainbow-coloured symbols on shirts or armbands and display messages in stadiums as part of its annual awareness drive. Yet participation has been uneven in recent years, with some players citing personal or religious reasons for opting out. Players speaking up is a rare occasion, although former French international Antoine Griezmann said six years ago: "If a gay player wants to come out, he might not have all the France players with him, but he will have me." Nice full back Jonathan Clauss said last week he was pessimistic about the fight against homophobia. "I think it's a never-ending fight, because there will never be 100 per cent of people who agree (with the fight against homophobia). And the very fact that there's a debate is a problem," he said.
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France, Morocco Seek to Strengthen Sports Cooperation
Rabat – Beyond diplomatic ties and trade, France and Morocco have pledged to strengthen sports cooperation. The two countries confirmed this interest on Friday during the 40th Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Francophonie, which marked the participation of French Minister of Sports Marie Barsacq. A statement on the French minister's visit from the French embassy said that the official met with Morocco's Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid to discuss important areas to boost cooperation and bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in regards to working with youth. During the visit, the French minister also met with Morocco's Minister of Education and Sports Saad Berrada, with whom she signed a joint declaration of intent regarding cooperation in the field of sports. The agreement covers international sporting events, high-level and elite sports performance, e-sports, as well as training. 'I welcome the signing of this cooperation in the field of sports, which formalizes the growing cooperation between France and Morocco on the topic,' she said, asserting the need to continue 'this privileged partnership' between the two countries that focuses on empowering youth through sports. France has long emphasized its commitment to continue to support Morocco in several projects in this area. France, Morocco Seek to Strengthen Sports Cooperation In April, the two countries discussed the 2030 World Cup preparatory campaign launched by Morocco, a co-host of the global tournament along with Spain and Portugal. France's Minister delegate in charge of Foreign Trade and French citizens abroad, Laurent Saint-Martin, during his visit to Morocco in April, announced the launch of the Franco-Moroccan Committee to support Morocco as hosts of the 2030 World Cup. Representatives from at least 10 French companies attended to promote French expertise in infrastructure for large international events. Beyond France, several other countries have also expressed interest in unlocking the opportunities Morocco holds as a co-host of the tournament, including the UK. Earlier this week, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson announced that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.' This effort comes in line with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit. 'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup. She concluded that this is an example of further avenues for growth for UK-Morocco business partnerships at the 2030 FIFA World Cup 'where opportunities are emerging for British businesses.' Tags: Morocco and Francesports
