Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani have joined Wendie Renard in announcing that they are stepping away from France duty until changes are made to the conditions in the national team set up.
Captain Renard announced earlier on Friday that she would not be representing her country at the 2023 World Cup in five months time to preserve her mental health.
The defender had been on difficult terms with manager Corinne Diacre, who stripped her of the captaincy in 2019, before reinstating her in 2021 – one of a number of public spats the 48-year-old has had during her time in charge of the national team. Diacre extended her contract until 2024 following Euro 2022.
Renard has been followed in her decision to step away by key forwards Katoto and Diani: the former is currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained during Euro 2022 but is considered among the best in the world. She was controversially not included in Diacre’s France squad for the 2019 World Cup, despite finishing as the Division 1 Féminine top scorer during the 2018/19 campaign.
“The words of our captain Wendie lead me in to my turn to talk about the situation in the France team,” Katoto wrote on Twitter. “The events of 2019, the injury of 2022 then the recent events show me that I am no longer in line with the management of the France team and the values transmitted.
“I am therefore making the decision to put my international career on hold until the necessary changes are implemented.”
Katoto’s PSG teammate Diani has been capped 82 times for France, and was a pivotal part of France’s run to the semi finals at last year’s European Championships.
“Following the statement from our captain Wendie Renard and in view of the recent results and management in the French team, I announce to you that I suspend my international obligations in order to focus on my club career,” Diani wrote on social media.
“If the necessary profound changes finally happen, I’ll get back to the tricolor jersey service.”
France are currently fifth in the FIFA world rankings. Canada and Spain – ranked sixth and seventh respectively – are also in the midst of protests over working conditions,
Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. All rights and credits reserved to respective owner(s).
Add Comment