Allegations of violence and serious internal problems have rocked the elite French club Saint-Dié-des-Vosges just hours before its upcoming match against champion Mulhouse in the Saforelle Power 6 championship.
The match is scheduled for March 21 at the "Palais Omnisports Joseph-Claude" hall, but attention around the team is already focused off the court.
The French Volleyball League (LNV) officially confirmed that the case has been submitted to the state platform "Signal Sport," and the competent authorities have launched an investigation. Simultaneously, a procedure has also been opened within the federal commission for combating ill-treatment.
The league's reaction comes after a statement published on March 19 by the professional volleyball players' union ProSmash, as well as testimonies from female players of the team that appeared in the media and social networks.
Meanwhile, the club announced that head coach Emmanuel Dumortier has been temporarily removed from his position as a precautionary measure following the revelations.
The LNV described the case as serious and expressed "deep concern" regarding the information released, emphasizing that the results of the investigations will be awaited.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of violence – physical or verbal, discrimination, or infringement upon the physical and moral integrity of the athletes," states the official position of the league.
The organization called for responsibility and calm until the investigation is concluded.
The Saint-Dié-des-Vosges club is not among the established names in French volleyball, but rather a new project that debuted this season in the elite Saforelle Power 6. The team, known by the nickname "The She-Wolves," made its way to the highest level after a strong season in the second division and winning the French Cup, but its campaign among the best is proceeding under serious pressure. The squad is composed mainly of foreign players without prominent world stars, with the most recognizable name remaining former French national player Julie Mollinger. It is against this backdrop – of a club without serious experience and stability at the highest level – that the current issue unfolds.
photo:saint-die-volley.euand LNV
