France captain Wendie Renard steps again from nationwide group in protest

France captain Wendie Renard was among the many three gamers that stepped down from the ladies’s nationwide group on Friday in protest of “the current system.” Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto have additionally stepped down from the nationwide group and will not play within the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July until “the necessary changes are finally made.”

“I have defended the blue, white and red shirt 142 times with passion, commitment and professionalism,” Renard said in a statement. “I love France more than anything. I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level.

“It is a tragic day however essential to protect my psychological well being. It is with a heavy coronary heart that I come to tell you of my determination to step again from the French group. Unfortunately, I cannot be taking part in on this World Cup below such circumstances. My face could conceal the ache however my coronary heart is struggling … and I do not wish to undergo anymore.”

According to French media outlet RMC Sport, Renard  — one of the world’s best defenders — is unhappy with the management of the team under Corinne Diacre. Diacre stripped Renard of her captaincy in 2017. She wasn’t named captain again until 2021.

The French Football Federation (FFF) released a statement in response to the statements released on Friday, saying: “The FFF has taken observe of the declarations of Renard, Diani and Katoto. Its government committee, which is able to meet on 28 February, will deal with the problem on that event. The FFF want to remind that no particular person is above the Équipe de France establishment.”

France is currently ranked No. 5 in the world in FIFA’s women’s world rankings. It will open up its Women’s World Cup on July 23.

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