The Prefecture of Vaucluse withdraws its approval from Orange FC

This is a fairly rare decision. The prefect of Vaucluse made the decision to withdraw its approval from the Orange FC club after acts of violence.

On January 16, the disciplinary committee of the Grand-Vaucluse District decided to suspend as a precautionary measure the Orange FC U14 and U15 teams. The cause? Incidents took place on Saturday January 11 in U14 D1 against ARC Cavaillon with a match stopped for “rude/insulting, racist comments from supporters”. Then on Sunday January 12, other incidents took place in the U15 cup with “rude/insulting comments from supporters during and outside the match, made with projectiles against vehicles outside the match”.

Following these incidents, the Vaucluse Prefecture reacted very quickly. “By decree of January 15, 2025, the prefect of Vaucluse withdraws the approval issued to the Orange Football Club in respect of its affiliation with the French Football Federation (FFF)indicates the press release published this Thursday, January 23. Since the 2022-2023 sports season and repeatedly, numerous meetings involving the Orange Football Club, its supporters, or even its supervisors, have led to acts of violence against opposing teams or officials. This violence, physical or verbal, took place both during matches and outside matches, whether or not linked to the matches. »

Incidents with the senior team in September

Organge FC has indeed been sanctioned numerous times. In September 2024, after incidents at Minots du Vasio, the senior team (Departmental 3) had already been taken out of competition as a precautionary measure. A player was suspended for a year but the team was reinstated in November. “The disciplinary power exercised by the Grand Vaucluse District and the sanctions taken did not make it possible to stem these acts of violence, generating disturbances to public order and endangering practitioners, particularly minors” specifies the Prefecture of Vaucluse.

Orange FC immediately reacted with a press release. “It is with immense sadness and deep incomprehension that we announce the immediate closure of our club, a decision taken by the prefecture today, without an alternative solution having been considered for the 400 young people who were counting on us for their sporting and personal development. » Beyond the incidents, the question arises of the licensees and young people of this club which has already lost many members over the past two years.

Orange FC wants to start a dialogue with the authorities

“This brutal closure, which seems disproportionate to us, will deprive 400 young people of the sporting activity essential to their physical and mental balance, continues Orange FC. It will also destroy the efforts of our educators, volunteers and parents who have devoted themselves tirelessly to keeping our club alive and upholding the values ​​of sport. »

A petition was launched by an Orange FC educator. It has nearly 500 signatures. “We remain available to enter into a constructive dialogue with the authorities in order to explore all possible options to keep our club in operation in the Football Animation categories” specifies the club in its press release.