Questioned by Medhi Narjissi's parents, who are criticizing him for his absence from South Africa after their son's disappearance, the president of the French rugby union federation indicates he understands the family's anger.
The Narjissi family had very harsh words against the federation, how do you feel after the parents spoke?
Florian GRIL: I understand, it is our responsibility to be absolutely transparent about this issue. And to accept the pain, the anger of the family. Even before the matter went to court, I said that it seems normal for them to file a complaint. An internal investigation is underway, we must find out the truth but also establish the responsibilities of everyone in this disappearance.
Your absence has been noted, particularly on site in South Africa, while you were in Argentina for the Jegou-Auradou business…
If I misread the situation, I'm sorry. I was the one who called the parents to tell them their child was missing. I then sent Jean-Marc Bédérède, Deputy National Technical Director, to investigate. And then, I offered video interviews that the family refused. Perhaps I got it wrong, because I have since felt that my presence in South Africa was not appropriate. My only responsibility is to take it upon myself. No one can understand Narjissi's pain…
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Medhi Narjissi's disappearance: time of truth for family who took legal action
Jalil Narjissi thanked the South African federation, a terrible disapproval for the FFR…
We organized the family trip there, we contacted the South African federation, the embassy, the consulate, the security services, there is an ongoing investigation… We were ready to go Sylvain (Deroeux, secretary general of the FFR) and myself. , then we felt that our presence would not be appropriate. I understand the family is upset with us, the federation. Everything we've managed to do seems so pointless compared to the loss of a son.
Have you considered resigning?
I questioned my commitment at the time of events. But my responsibility, in this terrible context, was certainly not to create a power vacuum when there was a large number of decisions to be made.