French football officials ask media to avoid election questions during Euro 2024

France's football federation has called for the national team's neutrality to be respected and for Les Bleus to not be politicised amid heightened uncertainty over elections back home as the side prepare to launch their Euro 2024 campaign.

French President Emmanuel Macron made a shock announcement a week ago when he called snap parliamentary elections for later this month after he was trounced in the European Union vote by Marine Le Pen's far-right party.

The move plunged France into political uncertainty and has roiled financial markets, with Macron's gamble offering the far-right a shot at real political power that could weaken his presidency three years before it ends.

France launch their Euro 2024 campaign against Austria in Duesseldorf on Monday and players were pressed by media almost daily last week for their opinions on the elections.

The federation said all players were able to express their views freely.

"As such, it is necessary to avoid any form of pressure and political use of the France team."

(Reuters)

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