Q: Does the appointment of Hervé Renard allow us to emerge from the crisis that has shaken Les Bleues?

A: "I was faced with a crisis that had ancient roots, we had to decide. Either we agreed with the players and weakened the institution, or we kept the same thing and we lost our best players. A profound transformation was needed and Hervé Renard was the ideal profile to embody this change, through his success with different national teams, his ability to carry out rapid actions and his media charisma. To find a profile that matches our ambitions, the bar was quite high, including for financial reasons. When Hervé said he might be interested, it was a relief. He made very substantial efforts, it was something extremely valuable for us. The athlete prevailed over the economy."

Q: Did the FFF pay compensation to release him from his contract?

A: "We did not intervene economically. He managed everything himself with his Federation and we were able to welcome him in the best possible conditions. His remuneration is also totally similar to that of Corinne Diacre. When you know his emoluments in Saudi Arabia, this choice is something exceptional in the world of football."

Q: Do you now have a message for the rebels?

A: "The Federation has already reacted by saying that the form of their intervention is not acceptable. Now we want to turn the page. Today, we have the feeling of having done our job in terms of requirement and professionalism. The ball is in their court, it's up to them to answer on the field."

Q: Was there a temptation to punish them?

A: "No, we haven't been in that approach."

Q: Have specific goals been set?

A: "We are part of a World Cup-Olympic Games cycle with necessarily high objectives. The semi-finals are a first goal. But our hope is to be able to win trophies because there are no great teams that do not win trophies."

Q: France no longer has a representative in the Women's Champions League and seems to be losing its lead over the competition. Is there an emergency?

A: "I believe so. We are obviously not blind to the result of our clubs. We are also not insensitive to the exodus of some of our best players in foreign leagues. We urgently need to address this issue. But women's professional football is experiencing the take-off that we may not have managed to have after the 2019 World Cup. Today, we have reviewed our copy, we are putting in place the structures so that French women's football has the means for its development and is part of a logic of international influence."

Q: On the men's side, Didier Deschamps and Noël Le Graët have formed a very close couple in recent years. How do you fit into this context?

A: "This proximity has been successful: you have to see how far we have come during this period. We don't change winning teams. I quickly went to see the players of the France team, I began to build a bond of trust with Didier Deschamps. There is no sporting success without confidence. But I did it while keeping my place as leader, without going beyond that role."

The interim president of the French Football Federation Philippe Diallo at the headquarters of the body, on March 31, 2023 in Paris © FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Q: Its extension until 2026 has been talked about. What is your position on this?

A: "It is extremely clear: this is an extension that was examined by the executive committee at the beginning of January and that everyone has validated. For me, this is a subject that is closed. We are focused on the sporting performance of the France team with the objective of the Euro."

Q: Recent developments have shown that it is better to have new captain Kylian Mbappé in his camp as president of the FFF. Do you need Kylian Mbappe?

A: "(He smiles) I don't ask myself the question in those terms. First, appointing him captain is a choice that seems to me both logical and legitimate. We are lucky in France to have a player who we can think is the best in the world. He is ready to assume his responsibilities. I had the opportunity to meet him, things went well."

Q: He is leading the negotiations on the new image rights convention. Where do we stand?

A: "This is a file that has not been settled but that I have taken in hand because it has already lasted many months. I have seized it and I will do everything I can so that we can come out of it from the top and conclude it, if possible, in June."

Interview by Antoine MAIGNAN and Keyvan NARAGHI

© 2023 AFP