In a press release, the FFR drew up an initial assessment following the tragedy that occurred on August 7, 2024. The body questions the holding of the recovery session. And demands that its supervisory ministry dismiss those responsible.
On Thursday, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced that it had ended the internal investigation it had opened on August 7 following the tragic disappearance at sea of Medhi Narjissi. While traveling to South Africa to play in the International Series, the French team’s under-18 player was swept away by the ocean while he was doing a recovery session with his teammates.
In its report, the FFR points the finger at the site chosen for this session.The decision to hold a water recovery session on Dias Beach was taken without considering the dangerous nature of the site, particularly the dangers associated with rip currents, waves and rocks.“, she wrote in her press release. A risky site known for its danger.
The report also questions the lack of assistance.The FFR questions whether an attempt to rescue Medhi Narjissi using the lifebuoy available could have been considered or whether the management could have directly undertaken any rescue action. If not, this circumstance seems to confirm that the conditions at sea were particularly dangerous.»
« Terminate, without notice, the assignments to him of the sports technical advisers responsible for this trip.
Finally, the FFR counts “ask the Ministry of Sports to conduct, jointly with it, a precise analysis of the conditions under which the National Technical Directorate of the FFR appointed the sports manager of the French U18 team and other technical sports advisors within the staff of this team welcoming minor players, as well as a reflection aimed at redefining the missions of the technical sports managers within the federation, their articulation with those of the employees of the FFR and the methods of monitoring their execution.»
She will finally request her government supervisory authority to “terminate, without notice, the assignments to him of the sports technical advisers in charge during this trip, due to the breach of trust which results, at this stage, from the facts reported in this report” In other words, a request for the dismissal of staff members.
