According to Le Parisien, French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari reviewed the gifting of lucky charms to French national team players before the World Cup during a radio program on Thursday.
This incident will likely be discussed for a long time. On Thursday morning, Ferrari appeared as a guest on the Sud Radio morning show and was asked about various current events, including the lucky charm gift she gave to French national team players when she accompanied President Macron to the Clairefontaine base in early June.
This gift had previously sparked much discussion, and its media effect apparently surprised and displeased the minister herself. "It was a friendly gesture to the French national team players, a small lucky charm," Ferrari said. "It was star-shaped, which is why everyone was talking nonsense. They were blue and white stars; it would have been even better if the third one was red. It was symbolic."
"It was a small friendly gesture, not intended to make news," Ferrari continued. "Later, some well-meaning people made an issue of it, wanting to make me look like a crazy woman. It's okay. I still maintain my friendship and affection for the players, and they know that."
In addition, the minister stated that she currently has no "news" about Zidane replacing Deschamps as the head coach of the French national team. This appointment is expected to be officially announced on Tuesday, July 28.
Ferrari was also asked whether Mbappe—the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League, and the top scorer in the World Cup—should win this year's Ballon d'Or. "Why not?" she replied. "I think it would be good for his career. He performed excellently in this World Cup, despite disgraceful attacks, which I still condemn, because such things should not happen in sports. Unfortunately, he was not the only one attacked."
Especially Digne. The future Paris Saint-Germain defender committed a foul in the box leading to a penalty and subsequently received a torrent of abuse on social media.
"This concerns us; it is part of our fight against all forms of discrimination and violence, and we are very committed to it," the minister stated. "This is unacceptable today, whether in sports or in society as a whole. We must resolutely combat all forms of discrimination."
Another topic in the program was the possibility of a joint bid by France and Germany to host the World Cup, news previously revealed by Le Parisien. "I have not yet been consulted on this," the minister said, "but this matter has been in the air for some time and aligns with our policy of hosting major international sporting events. It is also part of France's sports economy development policy. France hosts a major international sporting event every year, and the 2030 Winter Olympics are a top priority. Since 2024, we have accumulated expertise that is envied worldwide. Overall, we support all major international sporting events."
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