It is unprecedented in French women's soccer, three decisive players of theFrench team have decided to retire from the Bleues and have announced it in separate statements, this Friday, February 24, 2023. But what are the reasons for such a departure, only a few months before the Women's World Cup?
Wendie Renard, the historic captain, was the first to mention this decision, indicating that she"loves France more than anything else but can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements required by the highest level". The Lyon player, who has 142 national caps, added that she wanted to"preserve her mental health" and could not play the next competition "in such conditions".
Then came the statements of Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani, among the best players of the French national team, who also questioned their coach Corinne Diacre. They indicate that they will not come back as long as she is in charge of the French team, which is quite a mess for the French Football Federation, already bogged down in the Noël le Graët affairs.
The wound seems to be particularly deep for the players, who are putting their international careers at stake and risk missing the biggest international competition in a footballer's life. For many years, there have been problems between several players of the women's team and Corinne Diacre. To find these talented players, we will have to wait and see if a decision will be taken in the highest authorities.
