FC Nantes scored a convincing victory against Drancy in the Coupe de France, but chose not to share the match's proceeds, a decision which sparked the frustration of Drancy president Alain Melaye. The response from Nantes management was quick.
Waldemar Kita, president of FC Nantes, expressed his dissatisfaction with the reception given by the amateur club. According to him, a more cordial exchange could have changed the situation. “It’s not because we’re professionals that we don’t have the right to respect,” he pointed out.
Kita insisted that professional clubs should not be seen only as sources of funding. He noted his disappointment at the absence of gestures of hospitalitylike a simple meeting around coffee, which could have facilitated dialogue.
He also expressed his dismay at being singled out for financial decisions for which he is not directly responsible. “I’m not even responsible for financial matters, there are people at the club responsible for that,” he clarified.
The president of the Canaries concluded by calling for mutual recognition of respect between amateur and professional clubs. He insisted on the importance of not tarnishing each other's reputation because of misunderstandings.
This situation highlights the tensions that can arise between clubs of different levels during national competitions, highlighting the importance of communication and mutual respect.
