Anticipation builds for the upcoming French Football Federation presidential election on December 10, where nearly 13,000 voters will choose between incumbent Philippe Diallo and challenger Pierre Samsonoff. This election is notable for including amateur clubs in the voting process, with Samsonoff advocating for their greater involvement and support for the national team’s coach Didier Deschamps. Samsonoff, endorsed by former FFF president Noël Le Graët, aims to champion grassroots football while respecting existing contracts.
Who Will Lead French Football Next?
The anticipation surrounding the next president of the French Football Federation (FFF) is palpable. On Tuesday, December 10, nearly 13,000 presidents from amateur clubs, regional leagues, and professional teams are gearing up to cast their votes before the results are revealed on Saturday, December 14. The election features two prominent candidates: the incumbent Philippe Diallo and the ambitious challenger Pierre Samsonoff, who hopes to shake things up in the football community.
Pierre Samsonoff: A Champion for Amateur Football
This election marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time that amateur clubs are directly included in the voting process. Pierre Samsonoff, at 47 years old, has strong ties to grassroots football. He served as the director of the Amateur Football League within the FFF from 2016 to 2021, where he advocated for the continued participation of amateur players in the Coupe de France amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Samsonoff emphasized the importance of amateur involvement, stating, “Resuming with amateurs was an absolute priority.” If elected, he aims to further engage amateur clubs in decision-making processes, including budgeting and regulations, while still addressing the interests of professional players, as demonstrated by his inclusion of Benjamin André, a current midfielder at Losc, on his candidate list.
Samsonoff’s background also includes a close connection to Noël Le Graët, the former president of the FFF. Having served as an administrator for En Avant Guingamp (EAG) until 2016, a club once led by Le Graët, Samsonoff has received his endorsement. Le Graët has publicly expressed support for Samsonoff, stating, “He is a good candidate, better than Diallo.” Despite this connection, Samsonoff has maintained a respectful distance from Le Graët, acknowledging the lessons learned while also recognizing their differences.
Another crucial factor in this election is the future of Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national team. With Deschamps’ contract set to expire after the 2026 World Cup, Samsonoff has made it clear that he does not intend to dismiss the coach. He believes in respecting existing contracts and supports Deschamps’ long-term vision for the team, expressing confidence in their potential for competitiveness in the upcoming tournament. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Samsonoff to see if he can deliver the surprise many are hoping for.