Black referees still rare at elite level as French system questioned | OneFootball

Black referees remain markedly under-represented at the top of French officiating. According to L'Équipe, the topic has proved sensitive, with several figures declining to speak or insisting on anonymity.

In France, 185 referees operate at federal level, the highest national tier. Only one in that group is from sub-Saharan Africa, Gaël Angoula.

William, a young federal referee, initially agreed to be interviewed, then withdrew after contacting the FFF, calling it a non-topic. Another young official later refused any association.

Regional 1 referee Jacques Mendy says being the only Black participant at a training camp was difficult and questions why, across 13 leagues and 26,000 referees, so few progress.

Suggested reasons include the role’s low status and a lack of role models. Jules Njikam says television largely shows white officials and notes Angoula progressed via a different route as a former professional.

Mendy believes his rise was stalled for about six years by a former local leader, before back-to-back promotions. He says he has no proof but thinks his skin colour may have played a part.

Another regional referee says an identical assessment to a white colleague did not earn him promotion, leaving him without confidence in the system. Bertrand reports a racist remark from an observer about his gait. The French federation’s position is that promotions rest on performance and there is no discrimination. President Philippe Diallo declined to comment.

Source: L'Équipe