World role in doubt as Thiriez plans to quit French league leadership
PARIS: Frederic Thiriez is to step down as president of the French league – only a fortnight after promoting the creation of a World League Forum to try to gain a greater say for clubs within FIFA.
At the time, in Zurich on the eve of the world federation’s presidential election, Thiriez told a gathering of club officials: “We want to participate constructively in the reconstruction of FIFA.”
However he, apparently, has no will to participate “constructively” in the development of his own home league and, presumably, will have to quit the three-man WLF steering group only days after joining it.
Thiriez explained: “I will not be standing for re-election at the year end. Fourteen years is enough. That’s enough for the league, no doubt, and also for me. In the 14 years since I became president I have made many sacrifices, both professionally and personally.”
He has been involved in a series of political tussles, in particular with federation president Noel Le Graët who went to court to cancel Thiriez’s planned changes to the promotion and relegation system.
Thiriez added: “The league needs a generational change, like FIFA, UEFA and the French federation. A little new blood will not hurt the league. There will be plenty of quality candidates.”
READ MORE AT:
