EHF postponed the first qualifying match for EHF EURO 2022. France – Belgium. A total of seven matches are postponed. Therefore, the French team will not return to the international scene in the Chamber on November 5. The second match, against Greece, is still scheduled for Sunday, November 8 in Greece.
The gathering of the French national team, which was originally planned in Savoy, has been moved to the Maison du Handball, where 21 players will meet on Monday, November 2. As previously announced, Guillaume Gille wanted to gather all 35 players for this EHF week, but due to the current situation, only 21 players will gather. Appointed coach last January, Guillaume Gille was scheduled to sit on the French team’s bench this Thursday, November 5, against Belgium in Chambery, this first qualifying match was filled with symbols for the former Savoy club member. But Guillaume Gille and his assistant Eric Mathe will still have to wait for their first match.
How did you receive the announcement of the postponement of this France-Belgium?
It is obvious that a feeling of disappointment prevails. In addition to this delay, the EHF decision raises uncertainties and questions about these qualifying phases for the EHF EURO 2022. Of course, we are all aware of the resurgence of the pandemic across Europe. However, I believe that sporting events should be held wherever possible. The survival of handball activity depends on its constant presence at the highest level.
How does this delay affect your plans for this gathering?
Given the situation that has developed in recent weeks with our Belgian friends, the staff of the French team has prepared for different scenarios. We offered them conditions for training and accommodation that would enable this first match. Unfortunately, the health rules in force in Belgium and the EHF did not allow this match to be played. Therefore, we are ready to implement our plan B, namely the relocation of the training part to our house in Crete. It will be even easier to set the most rigorous conditions for admission to the Maison du Handball. Our goal is to train together again, which will be the first time since our last meeting in January.
How do you view the rules and new measures announced by the government in the last 24 hours?
The constant goal is to keep all the people around the French team away (journalists, partners, supporters, etc.) so that the athletes are in as „airtight a bubble“ as possible. If naturally no one can guarantee anything in relation to the virus, maximum security will be ensured during this international week which is designed to be isolated. Since the activity of the clubs is not in question, there is no reason why this does not apply to the national team. To do that, FFHandball and the staff of the French team made a complete health course for this week. FFHandball has specially established rules for traveling to Greece, and the transport is exclusively intended for the team.
Aren’t you afraid of postponing the second match scheduled in Greece?
We are in close contact with our Greek colleagues who are now having difficulty welcoming us in the originally planned city. The Greek federation is currently building an alternative plan for organizing this match, with no certainty today that this match will finally be held. Whatever decisions were made for this match in Greece, we have a strong desire to gather the French team in this difficult period. It is necessary for the group to be able to gather and finally start preparations for the season where the World Championship awaits us and in the perspective of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. We count on the understanding of all players in professional handball.
