The mishap of world tennis N.1 Novak Djokovic, detained in Australia and threatened with expulsion after the cancellation of his visa when he had a medical exemption exempting him from the vaccination obligation, has perhaps something premonitory for professional athletes in France who have chosen to refuse to be vaccinated.

Things would inevitably get more complicated for them.

"Athletes should have the vaccine pass like everyone else," Minister responsible for Sports Roxana Maracineanu told AFP on Thursday.

A clear and unambiguous message on what the government expects from professional athletes.

The Minister in charge of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, on leaving the Council of Ministers on January 5, 2022 at the Elysee Palace Ludovic MARIN AFP

If ever the question of a delay arose for some players who had started to be vaccinated but had not completed their vaccination schedule, it would be "examined", then specified the ministry.

"Brain teaser"

In short, those who have not recently started a vaccination process will not be able to escape the rule.

Top-level athletes who have publicly acknowledged not having been vaccinated are quite rare (tennis player Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Stade Français rugby player Waisea Nayacalevu in particular ...).

And if it is difficult to know how many sportswomen and professional sportsmen are concerned, the Ministry of Sports estimates that this population oscillates between 2% and 5% in the professional leagues (football, rugby, basketball, handball, volleyball ...).

A population that is certainly marginal but that will have to be managed.

The French Pierre-Hugues Herbert, during his match against the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, at the Paris Masters ATP, on November 2, 2021 at the AccorHotels Arena Christophe ARCHAMBAULT AFP / Archives

What are they going to do from January 15?

The answer is not simple.

The law, if passed as adopted at first reading in the National Assembly, does not provide for the possibility for companies to lay off unvaccinated employees.

The clubs could not therefore separate from these employees.

But de facto, these professional athletes could no longer access their sports grounds, for matches, and even for training for some.

"It's a real headache. But at the same time, everything can be solved with a bite, they are the ones who have the answer to this problem", slice a source close to sports authorities.

Proof of the embarrassment that this situation may cause, the union of professional football players (UNFP) must meet on Friday to discuss this thorny issue.

The president of the National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP), Philippe Piat, on February 1, 2021 upon his arrival at the headquarters of the National Football League in Paris FRANCK FIFE AFP / Archives

"Clearly, some clubs will want to separate from these employees who will no longer be able to work," said the same source.

In Bordeaux, club doctor Thierry Delmeule assured that two players in the Girondins workforce were not vaccinated.

Justice could decide

"We have been discussing for a long time, trying to convince them. There are some who have been gradually convinced and who have switched to the vaccine," he said.

"If they want to play competitive football, they won't have a choice," he added.

Bordeaux players opposed to fans of AS Jumeaux de Mzouazia in the Coupe de France at Matmut Atlantique, December 19, 2021 Thibaud MORITZ AFP / Archives

Legally, the room for maneuver of professional clubs appears to be quite limited.

If some leaders have raised the possibility of suspending the contracts of these recalcitrant employees, and thereby their salary, it seems that it is not so simple.

"In order to be able to suspend the contracts, it will be necessary to prove that the athlete therefore the employee does not fulfill his mission. However, does his mission as an employee only come down to playing matches?" Asks a lawyer. specializing in labor law.

Athletes who would see their contracts suspended would also have the possibility of turning against their clubs.

"It may be that justice will have to decide this question", anticipates this lawyer.

© 2022 AFP