In a recent interview with beIN Sport, Assa Koïta, former player of the XV of France, made the link between the end of her international career in 2015 and her choice to wear the veil.
The former second line of Bobigny and Stade Français, aged 29, recounted embarrassed phone calls from the French Rugby Federation (FFR) to find out the motivations for a decision "which has never posed a problem in club ”.
📺 #beINCENTER
🎙 @AssaKoita removed from the France team because of his veil?
The choice of the former French international would have made the French Rugby Federation cringe according to her!
pic.twitter.com/Yt0fbYJRPr
- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 17, 2021
The words of Koïta, implicating Annick Hayraud, the coach of the Blue, did not leave the FFR without reaction.
At the initiative of Vice-President Serge Simon, the two protagonists of the “affair” met to discuss.
Hayraud admitted having spoken at the time about wearing the veil and religion in general, without this influencing the composition of his group.
"If Assa did not return to the selection, it is because she had not regained the level at which we had known him and that overall, she had difficulty coming back, that's all, she had already specified to Rugbyrama.
The subject of the veil never arose.
Concerning myself, I simply wondered during a discussion with her why she had started to wear the veil, whereas she had not worn it before.
"
The incident is "closed"
At the end of their discussion, the two women considered that the incident was closed.
“We know the truth and that is the main thing.
Now, we will work to get things done together and avoid this kind of situation in the future, Koïta summarized.
The subject is closed.
Everyone is free to make up their own mind, but as I have already said, the truth always triumphs.
"
📺 #beINCENTER
🎙 @AssaKoita removed from the France team because of his veil?
The choice of the former French international would have made the French Rugby Federation cringe according to her!
pic.twitter.com/Yt0fbYJRPr
- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 17, 2021
The 2014 Grand Slam winner will now work with the federation by carrying out work within the framework of the Federal Commission against discrimination.
“His testimony, his direct and sincere character, his convictions, will allow the FFR to reinforce its actions to raise awareness of tolerance and respect for others, reacts Serge Simon.
All players who are victims of or feel discriminated against will always find listening and support.
Assa's commitment is therefore a great opportunity to reinforce our values and make us grow.
"
