Finally, the final phase of the Women's Euro will not take place in France

"We will play hard, we will want to do well in front of our audience," promised Diandra Tchatchouang, already impatient at the idea of ​​playing the final phase of Euro 2021 (June 17-27) in France. And this even if she does not understand that the tournament is not postponed ... Finally, Tchatchouang and his teammates will try to make the colors of France shine… in Spain. At least as far as the end of the competition is concerned. France was to host two pools, two quarter-finals and the final phase (semi, final and small final) of this European championship co-organized with Spain. The Covid-19 crisis led the French authorities to review their plans and ask for the relocation of the final phase. Fiba Europe said yes and it is in Valencia, Spain, that the semi-finals and the small final of this Euro 2021 will take place. France keeps two groups of the first round and two quarters, which will be played in a city that remains to be determined.

» READ ALSO - Collet and Garnier stack up until 2021 and at the Tokyo Olympics
» READ ALSO - Dumerc, General Manager of Les Bleues: "It's only fun"

“It is of course a chance to be able to maintain this event here, despite the Covid-19, and we are delighted. However, it was no longer possible to host the final phase as initially planned, explains the president of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), Jean-Pierre Siutat, in a press release. The health situation, the postponement of municipal elections and other major events, no longer allow us to organize the last round in the best conditions. ”

"2021, a new year for French women's basketball, a real challenge"

As President Siutat points out, "this Euro will also serve as a launching pad for the French Team and preparation for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games". Scheduled for 2020, the Olympic Games were indeed rescheduled in 2021, coronavirus obliges, from July 23 to August 8. "2021 will be an unprecedented year for French women's basketball with, one month apart, the Euro and the Olympic Games," notes Les Bleues coach Valérie Garnier. It is a real challenge. In France, we are lucky to have a very large group. Regarding this unprecedented situation, I am sure that it motivates the players, even if there is some concern. It is up to us to be relevant and intelligent in the construction of the programming for these two competitions. And in particular do not forget about recovery. We will have to adapt. But the coach that I am is rather excited about this situation. I'm sure the players are too. ” Silver medalists in the last four editions of the Euro, the girls of the France team will try to find the highest step of the podium for the first time since 2009 and the coronation of the Braqueuses.

Read also

• French team: Dumerc, coucou la revoilou