The real reasons behind France withdrawing from the World Cup
Picture by Paul Currie/SWpix.com - 15/07/2021 - Rugby League World Cup 2021 - London, England - The Paul Barriere Rugby League World Cup, The Women's Rugby League World Cup and The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup at a photocall at the Emirates Stadium, the Home of Arsenal Football Club - Trophy Tour, Men's, Women's and Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup trophies
The loss of the 2025 World Cup in France is undoubtedly a blow for rugby league.
Many questioned why and now President of FFR XIII has explained why including how the conflict in Ukraine is a reason behind it.
“It is obviously a cruel disappointment. I am president of the organizing committee of this World Cup and president of the FFR XIII. If the disappointment is there, there will be a legacy,” Luc Lacoste explained in L’Independent.
“We have never talked so much about the XIII for two years and this announcement by Jean Castex.
“We won this candidacy, I remind you, and behind it, there were these difficulties related to the Ukrainian crisis. It has clearly become very complicated. The state now demands that events be in balance and this World Cup was not.
“I have received many messages over the past week, both positive and negative. The most honest and democratic thing is to ask the clubs if I continue my mission with the same desire to innovate.”
There are alternatives on the table with Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and even Qatar interested in hosting the tournament.
There has also been talk that the number of participants could be reduced.