While the arrival of Pope Francis in Ajaccio should soon be made official, Corsica finds itself once again in the spotlight, in a sensitive international context. Julien Odoul, RN deputy for Yonne, asked the French Football Federation to relocate the France-Israel match scheduled for the Stade de France on November 14, and to organize it on the island, either at the Armand-Cesari stadium in Furiani, or at the Michel-Moretti stadium in Ajaccio, citing risks of demonstrations and unrest linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “For several weeks this sporting event has been the subject of pressure, demonstrations, and threats from pro-Palestinian activists and far-left elected officials. The latter, by relaying their anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist propaganda, seek to prevent the match from taking place. In this sensitive context, the pro-Palestinian collective “Stop Genocide” illegally occupied the FFF premises to demand the cancellation of this match. (…) On October 30, LFI deputy Louis Boyard added fuel to the fire by relaying a petition which, from a pro Hamas group, wants to exclude the Hebrew state from international football competitions. Faced with the proven risk of harm to public security, particularly in Seine Saint Denis, in a department plagued by anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews, I wanted to submit the proposal to relocate this match to Corsica.
“A choice which would have historical and memorial symbolism”
Julien Odoul therefore offers Philippe Diallo, the President of the FFF, the facilities and stadiums of Corsica: “Corsica offers optimal security conditions and would make it possible to maintain a full number of spectators with facilities adapted to host this confrontation considered to be high risk” before evoking a symbolic aspect: “This choice would take on historical and memorial symbolism, under the Occupation, while the Vichy regime was carrying out mass arrests and deportations of Jewish populations, Corsica, nicknamed the Island of the Righteous, distinguished itself by stubbornly refusing to hand over its citizens of the Jewish faith. Finally, it must be remembered that no match for the French team has ever taken place in Corsica.”
François Filoni supports the proposal, Jean-René Moracchini (Corse Football League) “surprised”
A proposal supported by the RN of Corsica and in particular François Filoni: “It’s a message of peace. We are not only a land of fire but also a land of peace. There is also a security aspect to take into account. The match would take place in better conditions in Corsica than on the Continent. Pasquale Paoli was the first to give Jews the right to vote. We have a link of ancestral tradition with Israel. It would be a reward for Corsica and the Corsicans to attend such a meeting.” On the side of the Corsican Football League and Jean-René Morrachini, its President: “I am surprised by this proposal. I don't know about it. The deadline seems to me to be quite short to organize a UEFA Nations League match. I am available to the parties concerned.” The Yonne MP must hold a national press conference today to justify this choice. As a reminder, Corsica has never hosted a match for the French men's football team. The French team is currently 2nd in Group A of the Nations League behind Italy while Israel occupies last place with zero points on the clock.
France
