FC Nantes easily defeated JA Drancy in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France (0-4). If it is customary for professional clubs to leave their share of revenue to their amateur opponent, the Canaries were an exception.
This Saturday, December 21, FC Nantes traveled to Stade Bauer to face JA Drancy. A simple sporting formality for Antoine Kombouaré's men who did not fall into any trap linked to the famous magic of the Coupe de France. Qualified for the round of 16 thanks to their big victory (0-4), the Canaries are however talking about them for another reason. The day after the meeting, the attitude of Waldemar Kita caused talk, who did not leave his share of the revenue to the leaders of the Drance club.
Nantes, big winner, small player
According to information from Le Parisien, FC Nantes did not wish to continue the custom by retaining its share of ticket revenue. Usually, professional clubs leave their share of the revenue to the amateur clubs they face in the Coupe de France. A way of building a bridge between the two worlds, allowing the smallest clubs to benefit from the great generation of income thanks to the larger ones. The canary leaders preferred to keep the money for themselves. The National 3 resident could have ended up with a bonus of €13,000, which is not negligible at this level of French football. Especially since the president of JA Drancy explained that the organization of this match is ultimately a loss-making operation.
« For us, the trip to the Bauer stadium and all the expenses incurred will cost us 40,000 euros. », Explains Alain Melaye, who also did not appreciate the attitude of the Nantes leaders. “ I was told that President Waldemar Kita was there, but he never came to see us. They also didn't want to come to the post-match reception. This is the first time I've seen this », he concludes, saddened and annoyed by the lack of class of the Ligue 1 resident. The attitude of the Kita clan contrasts in any case with that of the Nantes players in the match. The players made a guard of honor for the fans at the end of the match when Antoine Kombouaré greeted the Drance leader. A new disappointment for amateur football which experiences this type of disappointment every season from certain professional clubs.
