This is an important moment at which Lilian Thuram, if he had not gone to Doha to see his son Marcus and the Blues, or Youri Djorkaeff, if he was not taken in Qatar also by his obligations with FIFA , would have liked to attend. Despite everything, the list of ex-internationals present this Saturday at the headquarters of the French Federation, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, will look great with names like Alain Giresse, Didier Six or Jean Tigana.
This is the first time that the general assembly of the CIF (Club des internationals de football), which is usually held at the Stade de France, will take place on Boulevard de Grenelle. And this is not just symbolic. “It is a real rapprochement between the internationals and the Federation, underlines Henri Emile, the former intendant of the Blues, honorary member of the CIF. For quite a few years they were ignored and relations were quite cold. There is really a desire to find each other. I am happy. It was so obvious. »
Sidney Govou, Luc Sonor, Jimmy Briand, Frédéric Piquionne are also expected. “It’s a huge event, appreciates Manuel Piumi, CIF General Manager. We’ve wanted it for 15 or 20 years. The exchanges carried out with Philippe Diallo, vice-president of the FFF or Albert Gemmrich, member of the executive committee and of the CIF paid off. A commission of wise men, with former Blues, should see the light of day. “They realize that we are part of the heritage”, welcomes Manuel Piumi.
At the end of the GA, all those present will meet in front of a screen to follow the retransmission of France-Denmark from 5 p.m. “It’s a good thing, concludes Henri Emile. It shows that we are always supportive. »