France captain Wendie Renard to miss 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup - 'I can no longer endorse the current system'

Updated 24/02/2023 at 14:16 GMT

French captain Wendie Renard has stepped back from national team duties, saying that she "can no longer endorse the current system" ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Olympique Lyonnais defender announced on her social media that she has been "suffering" and that her mental health must be prioritised. France have been drawn in a group with Jamaica, Brazil and Panama at the World Cup.

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Wendie Renard has announced that she will not play for France at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Renard, who is currently captain of the French team, says that she will miss out on the tournament in the summer as she "can no longer endorse the current system."

The Olympique Lyonnais defender has 142 appearances for the national team, and has represented France in two World Cups, two Olympics, and three European Championships.

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“I have defended the blue, white, and red shirt 142 times with passion, respect, commitment and professionalism," said Renard in a statement on social media.

“I love France more than anything else, I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer endorse the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level. It is a sad day but necessary to preserve my mental health.

“It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to step back from the French team. I will unfortunately not be playing in this World Cup in such conditions.

“My face may hide the pain, but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer anymore.

“Thank you for your support and for respecting my decision.”

Renard’s last played for France in the most recent international break against both Denmark and Uruguay in the Tournoi de France, scoring against the latter.

Reports prior to the 2022 Euros alleged that manager Corinne Diacre had a strained relationship with several of her key players, including Sarah Bouhaddi, Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer, which caused the trio to not be called up ahead of the tournament.

France's World Cup campaign will begin on July 23 with their first match against Jamaica. They will then face Brazil and Panama to close out the group stages.

The World Cup will take place from July 20 to August 20.

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