The FFR investigation condemned the extensive negligence of the staff and serious failures – Libération

2024-09-12 14:22:10

The French Rugby Union has released this Thursday, September 12, the results of an internal investigation carried out more than a month after the expulsion of the young scrum half from the Stade Toulousain during a trip to South Africa. Incriminating report against the staff of the France U18 team.

The report was a shock for the staff of the French under-18 rugby team. This Thursday, September 12, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) made the conclusions of its internal investigation regarding the tragic loss of Medhi Narjissi, a young player from Stade Toulousain, which took place on August 7 in South Africa. The trip of the French men’s U18 team to the country was organized by the FFR during the International Series tournament. The young man was then swept away by the waves off the Cape of Good Hope while he had a recovery session with his companions. They have not found his body.

In this report, the federation – which explains has been heard “all the members of the staff are on the field and some of the players” – reveals several significant failures in the planning and supervision of this recovery period. “The decision to organize a recovery session in the water on Dias Beach was taken without considering the danger of the site”pointing directly and FFR. The body also questions the choice of this position, “While the risks linked to Dias Beach could have been noticed at least by a technical sports expert”.

Risks that are not “noticed” by the employee

FFR adds that the panels “Warnings about the danger of the site would not have been heeded”, truth “even opposition”. “The progress and supervision of the session appears to be poorly managed, mainly due to the lack of clear supervision procedures given to staff and players,” once again attacked the FFR against members of the union staff.

In addition, the federation led Florian Choice “I wonder if the attempt to save Medhi Narjissi using the available life force can be evaluated or if the members of the administration could have taken any direct rescue action.” Because this is not so,”This situation seems to confirm that the conditions in the sea are very dangerous,” continue FFR.

In view of these failures, the body announced that it will contact the Ministry of Sports “and limit, without notice, to the assignments for him of the sports technical experts in charge during this trip” and on which the ministry works “power hierarchy and discipline”. La FFR finally concluded that it will take action against other administrators, “whatever their status”, and will lead “deep knowledge” acquaintance “Simplification of the chain of command of the French associations, the management positions of the French associations and the management of the appropriate emergency procedures in the event of an accident”.

All elements of the internal investigation were transmitted to the parents of Medhi Narjissi and to the Ministry of Sports. At the same time, in early September, Agen’s public prosecutor’s office opened a judicial investigation.