Coupe de France to showcase ‘Unis par la même passion’ shared shirts in quarter-finals | OneFootball

The Coupe de France quarter-finals this week will spotlight a new initiative, with player escorts wearing shirts in both clubs’ colours. According to L'Équipe, the Fédération Française de Football, which organises the competition, has approved the move for ties on 3, 4 and 5 March.

Each child’s top will show, on the left over the heart, the team they support, and on the right, the opponent. A 19-metre diameter banner will also be unfurled before kick-off at the centre of the pitch.

Club legends from every quarter-finalist will serve as ambassadors and wear the shared shirt. Branded “Unis par la même passion”, the campaign is intended as a message of tolerance, kindness and respect for opponents, referees and rival fans.

The concept was devised by supporter Patrice Pruvot after a difficult night at PSG-OM in February 2013, which ended 2-0. He attended with family, his son in a Paris shirt and his daughter in Marseille colours, and she was hit by objects and insulted throughout. They went home disillusioned, and he sought a way to avoid a repeat.

Pruvot, who runs holiday villages, commissioned a tailor to create a two-club PSG-OM shirt joined by a front zip. Bringing it to the professional game proved slow. He found encouragement but struggled for the right contacts despite meetings via Raymond Domenech and, later, Dominique Rocheteau, who connected him to Denis Chaumier.

Former Ligue president Frédéric Thiriez then pushed the project forward alongside support from the UNFP and Unecatef, helped by his ties to FFF director general Jean-François Vilotte. The federation appreciated the concept and its values. Broadcasters beIN Sports and France Télévisions have been engaged and will promote the initiative, including pundit Luis Fernandez.

Pruvot now hopes the operation can be repeated for the semi-finals and the final. He also dreams of seeing it used in a Ligue 1 match.

Source: L'Équipe