For the first time since taking office, Philippe Diallo speaks. On franceinfo, he urges everyone to “let sport live” so that spectators can “be enthusiastic about their colors”.
The Coupe de France final must stay “a sporting issue before being a political issue”, estimated on Saturday April 29 on franceinfo Philippe Diallo, the acting president of the French Football Federation (FFF), a few hours before the final between Nantes and Toulouse which will be played at the Stade de France. This is the first time he has spoken since his appointment.
>> Final of the Coupe de France: the police headquarters prohibits the union gathering near the Stade de France, where Emmanuel Macron is expected on Saturday
In the political and security context surrounding the event, Philippe Diallo asks above all “let the sport live” so that viewers can “getting enthusiastic about their colors”.
franceinfo: How do you feel a few hours before this final of the French Football Cup?
Philippe Diallo: Excited, because the Coupe de France is a pretty magical event. There are over 7,000 clubs that have signed up. This final will be sold out, with the prospect of a European Cup for whoever wins. And then a very great enthusiasm because with the final, in 24 hours the places were gone. It was then opened to the general public. In 45 minutes, we sold all the seats. So we can see that the Coupe de France keeps the magic of its beginnings.
With the security issue and the political issue around this final, are you dreading this moment for your first final?
To dread is not the term. There is vigilance, obviously, because there is a national context around this match which means that we need vigilance. That’s why we put the means inside the stadium, and the public authorities outside the stadium, to ensure that this football celebration, this celebration of the Coupe de France, remains a a sporting issue before being a political issue. Our mission as a federation is to bring the dream, the passion to life, outside of all the hassle that society may experience. When the President of the Republic comes, there are always exchanges with the public authorities, with the police headquarters, to ensure that his trip takes place under the best auspices, and that everything is done to ensure that the party is not not spoiled. He is a football fan and so I hope he will have a great evening with his wife.
Do you have a message for all those who want to use this showcase that is the final of the Coupe de France?
I want to tell them, ”let the sport live”. Sport is a gathering place where you try to forget a certain number of your worries. We try to get together with friends, with family, around a sporting issue.
“I tell them all, ‘Take a little break! Let this final take place in the best possible way and let people get excited about their colors.'”
Philippe Diallo, interim president of the FFFat franceinfo
Do you have any concerns about traffic management around the Stade de France?
Safety risks can never be ruled out. That’s why we worked – the teams of the federation – with the police in a very serious way. Inside the stadium, we will have 1,400 security guards. Outside, the police gathered 3,000 police officers, more than for the famous Champions League of sad memory. All means have been implemented to ensure that everything goes well, inside and out.
What is your assessment of this extremely tumultuous first semester at the head of the first French sports federation?
First, a lot of honor. It is a responsibility, both sporting and societal. Because what happens in football also has an impact on society. This first assessment, I find it very positive because the French men’s team A has come closer [de la qualification pour] the German Euro, with a redesigned French women’s team with the arrival of Hervé Renard, a smile found among the girls. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, it’s an exciting prospect for us.
“The Federation has found peace today, a kind of serenity.”
Philippe Diallo, interim president of the FFFat franceinfo
I try to embody that, with a team that wants to continue its reforms. And with Jean-Michel Aulas, we announced in particular the professionalization of women’s football. It’s something wonderful and unique.
Listen to Philippe Diallo’s interview at the microphone of Nathalie Iannetta
listen