August 27, 2022
The brief from today:
Umtiti heads to Lecce
Newly promoted Serie A side, Lecce, have managed to negotiate the loan signing of Barcelona defender, Samuel Umtiti, for the current season. Following almost three years of injuries, and an eventual ostracizing from the first team at Barcelona, Umtiti is eager for this opportunity. The French defender delayed a knee operation in 2018 so he could participate in France’s victorious World Cup that year, but ever since then he hasn’t managed to regain his fitness, or form. With all the stories revolving around Barcelona’s economic levers this summer window, one area they had to work on internally was the releasing, or selling, of unwanted players, thereby reducing the payroll. Umtiti has long since been on this list, but it was difficult to find teams willing to gamble on him staying healthy, while also having to pay his astronomical wages. These same reasons are why Barca looked to move him on, and finally an agreement was reached with Lecce where the Italian club would pay bonuses to Barca related to Umtiti’s appearances, while the Spanish side would still cover his salary. Upon arrival at the airport in Lecce, the 28-year-old was greeted by numerous fans, and the reception evoked a tearful reaction from Umtiti. Local media was there to capture the moment and get his initial thoughts, and a clearly emotional Umtiti eventually said, “I spoke with the directors at Lecce and I realized that this was a club that would suit me well. I found the right words and I understood that we shared the same values. I think this is very important because I was looking for peace, humble people to work with in serenity.” Clearly Umtiti is focused on finding the right conditions for his headspace after a trying few years at a chaotic Barcelona. Regarding moving on from the challenging years he has endured since the joy of winning the World Cup, the defender went on to say, “I have a good feeling. I have had several difficult years and I want to rediscover the pleasure of playing football. I want to play, speak and live football. I hope to have a good season with Lecce.” Considering his relative young age of 28, as long as Umtiti can stay injury free, there’s no reason to think he can’t regain his form, and almost more importantly: his happiness.
Using football to ease political tension
French president, Emmanuel Macron, made a political trip to Algeria this week following increased differences between the two nations. Algeria, a former French colony for over a century, earned its independence in 1962. Unlike many other African colonies, however, their freedom was only achieved after an intense war that left many dead, and resulted in simmering tension for the past 60 years. The recent political strife, which saw Macron pay a visit to help ease differences, included discussions over a potential friendly match between France and Algeria—something the French president is in favor of. There is precedent for such a match, although it has only happened once, when the two countries played at the Stade de France in 2001. The game itself never finished, however, as numerous pitch invasions by Algerian fans halted the match with about 15 minutes remaining. A lot of those fans expressing their discontent carried the ill feelings of the colonial history, but also the treatment they receive as minorities in France—despite many of them being born and raised in the country. This disenchantment has also extended to football, with virtually the whole Algeria national team consisting of players born in France who have opted to play for Algeria instead. It’s ironic that FIFA has strict rules and punishments for when there is political interference with football associations, but when such ideas like this friendly arise they are met with silence. It isn’t just Macron who is in favor of this potential match as the head of the French Football Federation (FFF), Noel Le Graet, has also expressed his support. Perhaps Macron should place more focus on factors contributing to political strife with Algeria, as well as the domestic policies alienating segments of the French population before trying to rope in football, and footballers, to grant him political favors.
Macron (right) is trying to use football to help ease political tensions with Algeria