Some thoughts about the fiasco of the French football team

In a way, I am happy that the French football team has left the World cup.

First of all, I have always considered that the French team did not deserve to participate to it,  assuming the way it managed qualification (I am still so sorry for the Irish team). Then, even if it is seen as a disaster for many fans here in my country, the elimination is a chance. It is now the only opportunity to change everything and to face the problems like they are. Just imagine if France would have reached the next round by miracle. You would have found some people to pretend that there was no problem about the team and its management. This would have been the most critical situation since everybody urges to face the concerns.

I remember James Grunig's presention at the IPRA congress in Peru. James was pointing that when you are facing a crisis (and it is a crisis), you have to deal with the accountability principle : you must face your responsibility even if it is not your fault. Pretending that there is nothing to comment is the worst attitude. And there is another principle to understand in the current situation : the symmetrical communication principle, the fact that you have to consider the puclic interest to be at least as important as your own interest.

Based on these two principles (at least), it is positive for the French football ecosystem to escape from the competition and then to get the time to face the problem. There is a huge demand here and you can bet that we will not forget this world cup. It will be in everybody’s mind for long.

But now it is time to work on dramatic changes. And I am looking forward to it.