INFO LE FIGARO – The Blues’ Nations League match against Israel next Thursday, amid tense security, is not attracting crowds.
The French team experienced more pleasant moments. Between the notable absence of Kylian Mbappé, sidelined by Didier Deschamps in this international match in November, the lack of leadership in the selection after the stops of Griezmann and Giroud and an opponent, Israel, 81st nation in the FIFA rankings (between Oman and Angola). , which doesn’t excite anyone, there are numerous sporting reasons for not attending the return of the Azzurri next Thursday at the Stade de France.
Due to the Olympic Games, the world vice champions have not played in their usual stadium since June 2023 against Greece (1-0). That evening there were Mbappé, Griezmann, Giroud, Tchouaméni, Coman, Pavard, all absent in the next sequence of national teams. For various reasons. 58,000 people were present at the meeting at the Stade de France.
Ultra-reinforced security
As regards next Thursday’s match against Israel, other much more worrying elements must be taken into account. A tense geopolitical context with the conflict in the Middle East, even more so after the violence that occurred this Thursday in Amsterdam with the supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv, police forces strengthened for this meeting nine years after the November 13 attacks in Paris…
Consequently, the Dionysian enclosure, for the return of the Blues from June 2023, appears cold. According to our information, the expected turnout in Saint-Denis is currently between 15,000 and 20,000 seats. There is less than a week left for the FFF services to fill the Stade de France a little more.
Time.news Interview: The Future of French Football Amidst Security Concerns
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to our special segment where we delve deep into the current state of sports. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Luc Renard, a sports sociologist and expert in football dynamics. Dr. Renard, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Luc Renard: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such timely topics.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The upcoming Nations League match between the French team and Israel is reportedly not drawing crowds due to tense security situations. Can you shed some light on how security concerns influence fan attendance in football?
Dr. Renard: Absolutely. Security is a growing concern for many fans, especially in light of recent global events. When fans feel that their safety might be compromised—due to political tensions, potential violence, or even health concerns—attendance tends to drop significantly. For football, a sport that thrives on community and shared experiences, this can be particularly damaging.
Editor: It’s indeed troubling. Speaking of the French team, there’s talk about the absence of Kylian Mbappé due to Didier Deschamps’ decision. How significant is a player’s presence, like Mbappé’s, in not just the team’s morale, but also the enthusiasm of the fans?
Dr. Renard: Kylian Mbappé isn’t just a key player; he’s a symbol for French football. His presence on the field not only boosts the team’s morale but also attracts fans to the stadium. When star players are sidelined, it can lead to a noticeable dip in the excitement surrounding a match. His absence can make an event feel less significant, driving away fans who might otherwise feel compelled to attend.
Editor: So, in a way, Mbappé’s absence can create a cascading effect on attendance. What do you think this means for the future of fan engagement in French football?
Dr. Renard: It raises some critical concerns for the future. Football clubs and federations need to collaborate closely with security services to ensure a safe experience for fans. Additionally, they might need to innovate with fan engagement strategies, perhaps integrating more technology or virtual experiences, to maintain interest even when fans cannot physically attend. This blending of real and virtual might become even more crucial in the coming years.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. Do you think that the lack of leadership post-Mbappé’s exit could exacerbate the challenges facing the French team on the field and in attracting spectators?
Dr. Renard: Certainly. Leadership on the field plays a pivotal role—not just in terms of gameplay but also in inspiring confidence among fans. If supporters sense a lack of direction or charisma in the team, it can diminish their excitement and willingness to show up. Iconic figures rally the crowd, driving the overall spirit of the event. If people see strong performance and leadership, they’re more likely to attend future games.
Editor: Is there a historical precedent for such situations impacting fan engagement in football?
Dr. Renard: Definitely. We’ve seen this in several instances globally, where a team’s performance—affected by either key player injuries or management decisions—has caused a drop in attendance. For example, during major transitions or after a star player’s departure, teams often experience a temporary lull in fandom. It takes time and a solid strategy to rebuild that connection and enthusiasm.
Editor: Very insightful. What advice would you give to the French Football Federation to mitigate these challenges?
Dr. Renard: They should prioritize open communication with fans, ensuring that they feel valued and understood. Hosting community events, leveraging social media for engagement, and showing transparency regarding security measures can help rebuild trust. Additionally, highlighting emerging talents can offer fans new heroes to rally behind, ultimately reigniting the passion for the national team.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Renard. Your expert insights provide a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing French football today.
Dr. Renard: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope to see a vibrant return of fans to the stadium soon!
Editor: We all hope for that. Thank you for tuning in to this engaging discussion, and we’ll keep you updated on the developments in French football and beyond.