Paris (AFP)
The president of the French Athletics Federation (FFA) André Giraud announced on Tuesday his candidacy for his own succession in the election scheduled for December 5.
"At the end of this first term as President of the French Athletics Federation, I decided to represent myself in order to continue the work undertaken over the next four years, consolidate the reforms undertaken and go further in the 'support for clubs in connection with the territories, "said the manager (73) in a press release.
"It takes time to initiate reforms and renovate in depth, especially as this mandate was a little shorter with a last year disrupted due to a health context which slowed down the work in progress."
André Giraud considers that it is necessary to carry out "major development policies", to support "the return of sport in schools, practice and athletics in sensitive areas and in rural areas" and to establish "the essential connections with the world of the company through programs adapted for the form and health. "
Arrived at the head of the FFA at the end of 2016 to replace Bernard Amsalem (2001-2016), André Giraud has had to face several crises in recent months which have strongly shaken the institution.
In sporting terms, the Blues returned from the Doha Worlds at the end of 2019 with a catastrophic record (two medals, no title).
The image of the FFA has also been largely tarnished by incredible doping cases: the marathoner Clémence Calvin is suspended four years for having fled a test, the steepleuse Ophélie Claude-Boxberger is still awaiting his judgment a year after her positive test in the 'EPO, while she was in a romantic relationship with the FFA doctor, since dismissed.
In June, the former world champion in the long jump hall Eloyse Lesueur also claimed nearly 200,000 euros from the FFA, accused of having mismanaged her earnings from an administrative aid system that would have derived , which the Federation firmly denies.
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