"The Blues remain a partner of choice"
lefigaro.fr – What do you think of the interference of government in governance of the France national football team?
Gilles Portelle – A long time ago that politicians are interested in sport and they have a stake. This reflects the place it occupies, in particular football, to our society.
In this case, the intervention of politics does not shock me given the consequences of this crisis for France's image abroad. Recall that FFF, like any federation, a Minister and it is normal that she is accountable. The management of events that took place in South Africa raises more general question of governance of the French sport and the organization of the major federations.The announcement of the Estates General on this theme is a good thing.
Faced with setbacks and non-sports athletes of the Blues, the sponsors have they been right to stop their advertising campaigns?
They had no choice but to do so. Indeed, these campaigns to a positive image around the team of France became totally out of step with the perception and feeling of the French people towards the players. Abrupt withdrawal of these campaigns and promotional campaigns around products bearing the image of the Blues is therefore an shortfall for marks.
The situation is dramatic in her image for sponsors?
What happened is damaging for brands including for those visible on the uniforms of the players were immersed in the heart of images that have shocked the French.A brand joins the sport primarily for the values it carries: the solidarity, commitment, fair play, respect. In other words, the absolute opposite of conduct adopted in South Africa. However, the French are part of things and can not be angry with brands that have expressed their support for the national team. I do not think they will turn away from these brands. They are the leaders and team players in France who are involved, not the team of France itself.
What the sponsors will require the FFF? Would they have an interest in breaking their partnership contract with the Blues?
The partners are entitled to demand explanations and guarantees for the future. Guarantees regarding the introduction of a new sports project and especially behavioral, consistent with the values they wish to associate.Guarantees regarding specific actions that the FFF has taken to improve the image of the group and the institution. These marks do not turn away from the team of France, the French first vector emotional and remains a partner of choice for brands. The Blues can for example TF1 to achieve record ratings, despite the setbacks and non-sports athletes of Team France.
If the conditions are met, they are ready to commit to support reconstruction. The chance of FFF is to have loyal partners, present mostly at his side for many years and are committed for the next four years.The Federation must take this opportunity to rebuild a new crew with new values closer to reality, to retain sponsors or attract new ones.
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