Discriminatory remarks under scrutiny at the Coupe de France

A Pioneering Initiative at the Grenoble vs. Nancy Match

For the first time in French football history, a match featured anti-discrimination observers in the stands. During the Coupe de France Round of 32, which saw Grenoble face off against Nancy (1-1, 3-5 on penalties), three observers were stationed at the Stade des Alpes on December 20 to monitor for any discriminatory behavior or remarks among fans. This groundbreaking measure responds to long-standing demands from organizations combatting homophobia in sports.

The observer team included a representative from the French Football Federation (FFF), a member of the national match delegate commission, and a representative from SOS Homophobie. Their role was to circulate through the stadium throughout the match, documenting any discriminatory acts and, if necessary, notifying referees to potentially stop the game.

A Symbolic Win for Activists

Julien Pontes, spokesperson for the Rouge Direct collective, celebrated the development: “Our tireless and uncompromising fight is paying off.” The plan was approved on August 31, 2023, by former Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra following talks with several advocacy groups.

This move also aligned with recommendations from a parliamentary report released on December 19, 2023, following an inquiry into shortcomings within French sports federations. The report called for swift implementation and a thorough evaluation by the end of the 2023–2024 season, overseen by the National Supporterism Council, to assess the feasibility of broader adoption.

Homophobic Chants Prompt Potential Financial Penalty

Despite the presence of observers, homophobic chants were reportedly heard in the Grenoble stands shortly before halftime. Since the break occurred soon after, the referee chose not to interrupt the match.

Pontes responded swiftly, stating, “We now expect a five-figure fine for Grenoble, nothing less.” The incident was documented by the match delegate and will be submitted to the FFF’s disciplinary committee. Looking ahead, similar measures may allow federation representatives to alert referees of in-game offenses in real time, increasing the chances of immediate action.

LFP Hesitant to Adopt the Initiative

While the FFF has embraced this pilot program, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), which governs Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, has not followed suit. Under the leadership of Vincent Labrune, the LFP is currently focusing on prevention-driven campaigns targeting supporters, players, and youth academies.

During his parliamentary testimony, Labrune relayed concerns voiced by Hélène Schrub, General Director of FC Metz, who warned that rolling out such a system league-wide could be detrimental, likening it to “shooting ourselves in the foot.” Labrune added, “We must act, but the question is how to do so effectively.”

Wider Implementation Hoped for Across Competitions

Advocacy groups continue to push for broader implementation of the observer system, calling for three trained representatives in the stands at every match. They also seek a strong public commitment from Sports Minister Marina Ferrari to adopt a zero-tolerance stance and urge the LFP to follow the FFF’s lead.

For now, the FFF plans to continue the initiative at selected high-risk ties in upcoming Coupe de France rounds. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted at the end of the season, with the goal of extending the initiative to all fixtures by the 2026–2027 tournament. The federation is counting on the deterrent effect of visible observers to shift fan behavior in the long term.

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