“I have always hated injustice. We must unite.” Former Toulouse coach calls on players to go on strike if Ligue 1 is not extended to 22 teams next season.
Former Toulouse boss, Antoine Kombouare called for players to strike if Ligue 1 is not extended to 22 clubs for next season following its abandonment after 28 games amid the coronavirus.
The French government banned sport until September and declared Paris St-Germain champions. There has been a lot of criticism aimed at the French Football Federation and Ligue 1 for calling a premature end to the 2019/20 season.
Despite, the action, the worst part was Toulouse and Amiens were relegated despite still mathematically being capable of surviving.
With all that going on, the likes of European football and relegation have raised the threat of legal action. Lyonnais has been the most vocal team so far and has gone to the extent of declaring the team is ready to play.
However, former PSG and Toulouse Antoine Kombouare manager has one step further. He is demanding players go on strike at the start of next season if the relegated teams are not reinstated.
He told L’Equipe, “The players and coaches must agree to strike at the start of next season if that does not happen. There will be layoffs. Even at the amateur level, it will hurt. Having players end their careers in this way is terribly unfair, and I have always hated injustice.”
“Amid the suffering and concern born of this crisis, we must unite. We are not United enough. It makes me angry.”
Before the season suspension, the French side had put impressive figures even in a shortened season. Toulouse had won three games and lost 21 this season and sat 14 points from safety. However, Amiens were four points behind the 18th places Nimes.
In their place, Lorient and Lens will be promoted from Ligue 2 for the 2020/21 season. Though, it would have been interesting to see what they could have achieved in a full schedule of games.