FFF rejects bias claims after Franco-Moroccan coach Ouaddou’s BEPF rejection

The French Football Federation (FFF) has rejected accusations of bias after Franco-Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou criticised the lack of diversity among France’s top-level coaches following his second rejection from the Brevet d’entraîneur professionnel de football (BEPF) programme.

The federation says a candidate’s origin has no bearing on admission decisions, insisting that selection is based on established sporting criteria.

Ouaddou, who currently manages South African giants Orlando Pirates, has twice been denied entry to the elite coaching qualification and raised concerns about the representation of coaches from diverse backgrounds in France.

FFF denies selection based on background

Laurent Chatrefoux of the FFF’s National Technical Directorate told L’Équipe that candidates’ origins are not considered when selecting coaches for the BEPF.

He said using a person’s background as a selection criterion would be illegal and against the principles of the federation.

The issue came to wider attention after Ouaddou publicly questioned the diversity of France’s coaching system earlier this month.

“When the FFF understands that coaches need to be a little more diverse, we will have made progress,” Ouaddou said.

The former Morocco international has expressed frustration after being unsuccessful in his attempts to obtain the qualification required to manage professionally at the highest level in France.

Only 10 places available each year

The FFF explained that competition for the qualification is intense, with about 40 coaches competing annually for only 10 places.

According to the federation, the selection process places significant importance on two oral examinations.

Candidates are assessed particularly on their motivation and their ability to prepare tactical training sessions, rather than their nationality or background.

The FFF also highlighted Ouaddou’s previous success within the French coaching system, noting that he obtained both his BEF and DES qualifications without difficulty.

Ouaddou’s coaching career continues in Africa

Ouaddou’s latest rejection means he remains without the highest French coaching diploma required to manage professionally in the country.

The 47-year-old has instead continued his managerial career outside France and is currently in charge of South African club Orlando Pirates.

His situation has renewed attention around the pathways available to African and diaspora coaches seeking opportunities at the highest levels of European football.

Jacky Bonnevay, who has known Ouaddou since their time together at Nancy, said he was surprised by the coach’s recent comments.

Bonnevay recalled previously advising Ouaddou to pursue coaching opportunities abroad when he struggled to find suitable positions in France.

For now, Ouaddou’s managerial career remains focused on Africa, while the debate over diversity and access to elite coaching positions continues in French footb