France captain Wendie Renard, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto have temporarily withdrawn from the France women’s national team until necessary changes are made.
Renard announced that she will not play at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in a statement released on Friday.
Katoto and Diani have now joined Renard in refusing to represent France’s women’s national team until “necessary changes are implemented.”
Renard, 32, said in her statement that she “can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level”, while Katoto added she is not aligned with he team’s management or their values.
“I have defended the blue white and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism,” Renard said.
“I love France more than anything else, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level. It is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health.
“It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team. I will unfortunately not be playing in this World Cup in such conditions.
“My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer…
