Following their 3-2 victory against Chile on March 26, three French national team players indulged in a night of revelry at a hotel in Marseille, consuming alcohol and engaging in raucous behavior. The French football team finds itself embroiled in a scandal just ahead of EURO 2024. According to revelations made by journalist Romain Molina, three French national team players were carousing at the Sofitel hotel in Marseille.
The incident occurred after France secured a 3-2 victory against Chile at the Velodrome stadium. According to the disclosure, the three French national team players (whose identities remain undisclosed) arrived at the Sofitel hotel in Marseille via bus.
They occupied a hotel room together, closed the door, and played loud music. Many other guests staying at the hotel felt disturbed by the loud noise emanating from the room occupied by the French national team players.
Despite numerous complaints from hotel guests, the situation remained unresolved until the police intervened at 6 a.m. It was only then that the French national team players restored tranquility to the hotel.
According to the revelations, the room occupied by the French national team players contained alcohol and laughing gas. One of the three players was even found to be in a state of intoxication. While players organizing parties is not unusual, such excessive behavior could have consequences.
According to the agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF), national team players are expected to lead exemplary lives. “Players representing the French national team are outstanding ambassadors. Whether they like it or not, their behavior sets an example, and their attitude significantly influences young players. Therefore, they must lead exemplary lives,” reads a section of the agreement signed between the French national team players and the FFF.
The FFF will investigate the incident and does not rule out penalties for the three players involved in the nocturnal activities. This untoward incident, occurring just before EURO 2024, is likely to have a negative impact on the team’s atmosphere and its image.
Romain Molina, the whistleblower in this incident, is an investigative journalist known for uncovering the darker aspects of French football. In early 2022, Molina shook the French football scene with revelations about darker aspects such as sexual assaults, child abuse, substance abuse, and corruption within clubs, youth teams, and the French Football Federation.