Legendary French Coach Sparks Outrage with Comments on Women’s Football
Guy Roux, the 87-year-old manager who led AJ Auxerre for 44 years, has ignited a firestorm in French football with controversial statements about women’s participation in the sport. His remarks during an interview with Le Flash Est have drawn widespread condemnation from players, fans, and sports organizations across France.
Anatomy vs. Ability: The Core of Roux’s Argument
Roux asserted that biological differences make football unsuitable for women, stating: “They are not made the same. They don’t have the same tissues. A woman is made to give birth, with a wider pelvis – football isn’t made for wide hips.” He further claimed elite female players have “the complexion of children” and suggested male under-15 teams could defeat professional women’s squads.
Football Authorities and Players Push Back
The French Football Federation (FFF) responded through spokesperson Laura Georges, a 76-cap international: “These outdated views ignore the technical excellence and athleticism displayed weekly in Division 1 Féminine. Modern women’s football stands on its own merits.” UEFA data shows women’s Champions League viewership grew 36% last season, contradicting Roux’s claims about spectator appeal.
A Wider Pattern of Sexism in French Football?
This incident follows beIN Sports suspending commentator Daniel Bravo for sexist remarks about Paris FC director Gaëtane Thiney. Sports sociologist Dr. Béatrice Barbusse notes: “These cases reveal systemic issues. France produces world-class female athletes yet faces cultural resistance in valuing their achievements equally.”
The Rising Profile of Women’s Football in France
Despite these controversies, French women’s football thrives:
- Olympique Lyonnais holds a record 8 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles
- PSG Feminine averages 15,000 spectators per home match
- France will host the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship
National team captain Wendie Renard responded: “We train with the same intensity, face the same pressures, and deserve the same respect as our male counterparts. Our achievements speak for themselves.”
The Path Forward: Respect and Recognition
FIFA’s 2022 benchmarking report shows women’s professional football is the fastest-growing team sport globally, with 77% of federations now running women’s leagues. As France prepares for major tournaments, the football community continues advocating for gender equity through:
- Increased media coverage (L’Équipe now dedicates 25% of sports coverage to women’s events)
- Equal pay initiatives at federation level
- Youth development programs identifying female talent
While Roux hasn’t retracted his statements, the overwhelming response underscores French football’s ongoing evolution toward gender equality. As the nation builds toward EURO 2025, this incident highlights both progress made and challenges remaining in achieving true parity.
Images Credit: www.diariodemallorca.es