mARCH 08, (THEWILL) – The coach of France’s women’s football team, Corinne Diacre, has spoken out against what she sees as an attempt to destabilise her ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
In recent weeks, several players including captain, Wendie Renard, have expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s setup, with reports suggesting that Diacre may be replaced before the tournament. However, speaking to reporters, Diacre said she had been the victim of a “smear campaign that is astonishing in its violence and dishonesty.”
The controversy aside, the 48-year-old remains determined to lead the team to success at the World Cup. “I will not let myself be affected by this destabilization operation,” she said. “I am fully committed to carrying out my mission and to doing France proud during the next World Cup.”
Diacre’s future with the team may be decided on Thursday during a meeting at the French football Federation. She has been heard by a commission from the federation and thanked its members for allowing her “to dispel the lies that were asserted without contradiction.”
Diacre also thanked Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who had urged the Federation’s executive committee to listen to the players. Aulas is a member of the committee. The Women’s World Cup is due to take place in Australia and New Zealand from 20 July.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
