2023-06-24 14:06:00
Basically, the idea was beautiful: to pay tribute to Emiliano Sala, who tragically died in a plane crash in January 2019, by organizing a tournament every summer bringing together the former teams of the Argentine center-forward. But, in the end, there was only one edition, in 2021.
Canceled in 2022… and in 2023!
Last year, the challenge did not take place due to the withdrawal at the last moment of FC Nantes. And this year, it was the city of Orléans that did not wish to host the event, as explained by Romain Lonlas, municipal councilor responsible for major sporting events: “We had four big football dates this season, with in particular the final of the Women’s French Cup or the semi-finals of the U19 national championship. The services of the city have been in great demand.”
The Orleans lawn at rest
Second reason given: the lawn at La Source stadium needs to be regenerated. “We have to maintain this ground. We will therefore let it rest until the end of July, with a view to being able to welcome delegations next season as part of the preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games.”
So, what about the future of this challenge? Romain Lonlas suggests a track: “We were inspired by the arrival of the U19s in the spring. Why not imagine a tournament with teams of this age category for next summer?”
Bastien Lherit
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