Is violence a concernIt is a real concern

Is the situation of the FFF cleaned up

Yes, November 3, the Federal Council has approved the accounts for the fiscal year 2005-2006 ended June 30 last. From previous years, there has been spectacular relief because they show a profit of 1,143 million euros. It's huge. I would remind you that in 2004 - 2005 it had registered a deficit of 9.8 million euros and the forecast for the current fiscal year had been calculated at least EUR 4.6 million. I can say that it is even more spectacular that this remedy is done without the lower incidence of the renegotiation of television rights (Editor's Note: TF1 EUR 45 million on the team of France and France Televisions EUR 15 million associated with Eurosport on the France Cup) that will begin to be felt this season and without taking account of the benefits of the World Cup which ended on July 9 and could not enter in the fiscal year ended June 30.

The question can ask it is how it was possible. First, I would say that we conducted a policy of rigour fresh General tablets, controlled new spending which led economy of EUR 4.8 million. This is not negligible. Then, we have put in place a structural reform of control: a financial regulation adopted by the Assembly concerning the signature of contracts, it created an internal audit committee and was appointed as a head of procurement. It is not a policy of economic stringency, it will last because we have in place the tools of the discipline. He also had to find new resources. For this purpose we have adopted a unique strategy. Namely, play all games friendly France team home as contract Sportfive concerning games of blue on the outside was not very good. I note also that this exercise has allowed to discharge the liabilities in the amount of EUR 3.6 million.

Our goal is to start on a healthy basis, while preserving our sports policy. This is essential. The estimated budget 2006-2007 amounts to EUR 150 million and hope a profit of 2.7 million. Our commitment to restructure the Federation to make it more effective and modern we imposed change of seat for our services, which were scattered and have a functional organization in a modern facility. It has completed the purchase of the new seat of app.7.200 square metres in the 15th arrondissement of Paris where it will be the beginning of December, the opening is set for January 11, 2007.

What do you think the sale of Sportfive

The Sportifive contract runs until 2010. The work of the Vice President Noël Le Graët was to renegotiate the contract. He did so and found opposite him sympathetic people. Everything is not perfect, but we enhanced it. Today, Sportfive is on sale and there are pension funds that have nothing to do with the sport among potential buyers. It is understandable that Noël Le Graët in its statements had expressed its concern. If it is an industrial prevailed and he was a sports project, this us please more. Because there are still sponsors to find, including a fourth partner in first place for the team of France with the Crédit Agricole, Carrefour and Suez. Like other federations, the FFF may consider negotiating its marketing rights itself.

What is your position in the debate on the arbitration

There are several levels. First, there is a law passed by the Parliament on the status of the adjudicator, which gives us all satisfaction because it clarifies the fiscal and social problems. It clearly states that the arbitrator has no relationship of subordination with the Federation, an independent worker. Then there is the protection of the arbitrator: Act regarded as an officer in public service mission, so the attackers are subject to the criminal courts. Then, there is the protection of the arbitrators of the base, the amateur football. They are the ones who are often the first victims of violence, verbal or physical. We have a real concern at the level of the leagues and districts to protect them, because if they are abused there will be less and less. Finally, referees of high level: they are professionals who are under the eye of the TV that you forgive nothing. It is men, they can be wrong and they admit.

Is violence a concern

It is a real concern. It however relative acts of incivility and never forget that the football as a whole represents a million games per year, the vast majority occurring normally. The football itself does not generate violence but sport popular by excellence, located in the heart of society cannot be victim of the excesses that it generates. This of course does we not dispense fight firmly against the violence and to take preventive action. But, in all acts of violence identified, thereby angering me the most is racism, which must be countered.

How do you see the evolution of football

Football will continue to develop, but I fear that money, if it ensures not, leads to go-ahead. It requires increased vigilance. Sport must be framed, must have rules, and especially not to copy the "closed" to the American system. When one reads the report Arnaut, rapporteur from the European Commission on sport in Europe, we see that it emphasizes the positive aspects of the pyramidal organisation of sport. He is right. As long as in sport may get a promotion, as long as there is the risk of demotion, he will live. But will it integrates with Europe. Sport must admit that it is not a world apart, but it is essential that Europe takes into account the specificity of sport.