FFF sanctions FC Versailles and sporting director over loft remarks | OneFootball

FC Versailles and sporting director Salomon Kashala have been punished by the French federation’s disciplinary commission after a behind the scenes documentary, with the case deemed harmful to the sport’s image. Penalties include a €1,000 fine and a three month suspension, one month suspended, in a first ruling on a loft case.

L'Équipe reports that the decision was handed down on 17 November, citing breaches of the ethics and conduct charter and damage to football’s image.

In the Canal+ film following the club, Kashala discussed operating a loft for unwanted players, referencing Modeste Duku jogging around the pitch while others trained, as owner Alexandre Mulliez pushed back. Kashala said there was no other solution.

A 78 second clip posted on social media went viral, and the players’ union UNFP referred the matter to the national ethics committee. The club declined to comment on the ruling.

No action was taken against owner Alexandre Mulliez or chief executive Fabien Lazare, with the commission stating they made no remarks that could be reproached. It also noted it was ruling only on the officials’ words broadcast, not on any potential sidelining of Duku, a stance welcomed by the UNFP.

The club told the panel Canal+ released the excerpt without approval and out of context, and Duku accepted the club’s apology. His camp called the punishment a symbolic first step and vowed to continue.

Duku’s lawyer, Anthony Mottais, welcomed the principle of the sanction, said the process let his client describe what he endured in the 2024/2025 season, and alleged the club matched words with actions by excluding him. He added that ending such practices and encouraging players to speak would be positive.

Source: L'Équipe