The Clarisse Agbegnenou case sparks debate and raises the question of the economic model of French judo. The general manager of the FFJ, Sébastien Nolesini, evokes a solidarity formula, which relies in particular on its equipment supplier Adidas, direct competitor of Mizuno, which the double Olympic champion wants to keep as a sponsor.
A conflict broke out between the French Judo Federation (FFJ) and the judoka Clarisse Agbegnenou on the occasion of his return to competition at the Tel-Aviv Grand Slam (February 18 and 19). The double Olympic champion, sponsored by Mizuno, refused to wear the kimono of the French team, partner of Adidas until December 31, 2024. Agbegnenou justified her choice by explaining that she had no longer fought with a Adidas kimono for over five years and therefore preferred to compete in a kimono she was familiar with. Adidas, historical sponsor, has indeed succeeded the Japanese Mizuno as equipment supplier to the Federation in 2021, just before the five-time world champion’s maternity leave.
“ By not accepting the wearing of the kimono chosen by the federation, this calls into question many things, explains to RFI Sébastien Nolesini, general manager of the French Judo Federation (FFJ). Having an equipment supplier allows us to equip all the teams in France. It’s essential for a 16-year-old kid who doesn’t have the means and who is joining the France team. We cannot question this system of solidarity. Clarisse (Agbegnenou) benefited from it when she started with the France team. »
7 million euros for the high level
To understand the conflict between Agbegnenou and the FFJ, it is necessary to look at an economic model financed in large part by the licensees. Of the 30 million euros budget of the FFJ, approximately 80% of this sum comes from equity. And particularly the price of licenses (more than 500,000 members spread over nearly 5,000 clubs), which bring in between 20 and 21 million euros. The FFJ also relies on income from training, activities set up on the territory and the rental of its heritage. For the rest, the FFJ has public funding, such as the National Sports Agency (ANS).
“ There is a misunderstanding with the athletes, because in our economic model, it is the licensees who pay for the high level of French judo up to 60%. And this, thanks to these teachers who give their lessons in the evening or on weekends, most of them volunteers. Without them, we would not have licensees, budget and high level “, explains Sébastien Nolesini. The economic model of the FFJ would therefore be based mainly on the goodwill of volunteers.
” The high level does not bring revenue »
So is there a high-level economy in French judo? No, if we are to believe the explanations of Sébastien Nolesini. ” The high level does not bring in revenue, it is above all a source of expenditure he says. Moreover, the Grand Slam which takes place every year at the Palais Omnisports de Bercy costs money to the FFJ. By way of comparison, French tennis derives its income from Roland-Garros, a tournament which belongs to it and which brings in a lot of money. And as soon as a tennis player reaches professionalism, he takes charge of all the costs, such as travel, hotels or even the remuneration of his staff.
Today, the total budget devoted to the high level, from which Clarisse Agbegnenou benefits, represents a total of 7 million euros each year, financed 60% by the FFJ’s own funds and 40% by public funds mainly from the ANS.
For senior women, the envelope amounts to 850,000 per year and Clarisse Agbegnenou has 25% of this sum for her sports project with the aim of obtaining gold in 2024 in Paris. Clarisse Agbegnenou has the best record of French women’s judo, with a silver medal and two Olympic gold medals (in Tokyo individually and in teams), five titles world champion, two world silver medals and five European titles. ” It is a choice that respects the person and their sporting career. “says Sébastien Nolesini about the one who had been a standard bearer in Japan.
The FFJ finances the French teams, from cadets to senior elites
In France, all the French teams, from cadets to senior elites, are therefore financed by the federation. The FFJ covers travel, accommodation, meals and registration fees for competitions. ” Today, very few athletes make a living from judo. About 80% of them are in very precarious situations “says Sébastien Nolesini. For example, the Tel-Aviv Grand Slam cost 2,000 euros per athlete and per supervisor. About 40 people, including 28 athletes, were on the trip for a total cost estimated at 80,000 euros. Without the support of the federation, most athletes would have already stopped their sport, while France is the second most successful nation at the Olympic Games behind Japan.
For the FFJ, the support of Adidas thus largely represents material endowments (approximately 900,000 euros for an Olympiad) and also performance bonuses. ” Putting on another outfitter’s kimono puts us at odds, I think that’s not respecting the French team “, had declared the president of the Federation Stéphane Nomis.
In Tel Aviv, the Federation has decided to deprive Clarisse Agbegnenou of her referent coach in the France team, Ludovic Delacotte, for the competition. “ We cannot go on a carpet with our coaches paid by the federation, with partners who are not ours, it is not understandable “, also declared Stéphane Nomis. According to the rules of the International Federation, when the kimono of a judoka is not regulation, this one cannot have his trainer at his side during his fights.
The previous Teddy Riner
Clarisse Agbegnenou, who has counted Mizuno as a personal sponsor for several months, would like to wear the brand of her choice on the tatami, as Teddy Riner does with his personal brand Fight Art. ” Adidas and Mizuno are real competitors, while Teddy Riner’s brand is a small start-up, it’s not a competitor to Adidas “, explained Stéphane Nomis, who hopes that this conflict can be resolved” clovingly and intelligently, between lawyers “.
” With Teddy Riner, we sat around the table with his legal advisers. We contacted Adidas who accepted, because their brand is not a direct competitor on the kimono market. Today, the Riner brand does not weigh on the international market. Mizuno, it’s not the same thing, it’s a brand that weighs », Supports Sébastien Nolesini. The negotiation with Riner had been contractualized with the former president Jean-Luc Rougé.
” I insist on this, but our federation is mutualist and supportive, it accompanies everyone. It is our model. If one of the actors does not play the game, he can jeopardize it. We must guarantee the interests of the federation concludes Sébastien Nolesini.