The ten labours of Barthez

By Christian Châtelet

From such a well-respected player, it was a genuinely shocking gesture. When goalkeeper Fabien Barthez spat at Moroccan referee Abdellah el-Achiri during a friendly game with Olympique de Marseille in Morocco on 12 February, France was shocked.

Stern decision
Even though they knew the decision would hamper their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the French Football Federation banned the 1998 World Cup and UEFA EURO 2000™ winner until 31 December 2005 - although they agreed to shorten his ban if the goalkeeper agreed to an unusual penance.

Extra proviso
When they announced the punishment on 13 May, the FFF added a rider to the ban, saying that Barthez could return to action on 15 October "if he agrees to complete ten tasks benefiting amateur football". With a genuine desire for forgiveness, the goalkeeper agreed.

Sixth task
Thus on 2 July Barthez found himself at a sports centre in Aix-en-Provence conducting a training session billed as 'Sport, women and family' to complete his sixth task. "It was an extraordinary surprise to see him," said 12-year-old Sabrina, one of 60 young girls who took part in Barthez's session.

National hero
The goalkeeper threw himself into his task, urging, encouraging and advising his charges. "The goal! Aim for the goal it's the most important thing!"; "Move out from between your posts and you'll put pressure on the striker!" All great advice, and all the more significant coming from a national hero.

Indellible impression
Barthez has demonstrated that he is not merely paying lip service to the punishment imposed upon him by answering thousands of questions and leaving an indelible impression on all of the people he has met so far during his tour of French football's grassroots.

Training session
While the full list of tasks that Barthez was to perform was not released until 13 June, the goalkeeper had already started his campaign of good works on 31 May as he directed a training session in Toulouse for young goalkeepers looking to make a career in professional football.

No burden
Journalists swarmed to cover the event, but Barthez was keen to tell them that he was committed to helping young players long before he received his FFF punishment. "Do you think I have never helped young players?" he asked. "I did not have to wait for a punishment to come to a place like this."

Popular success
He may have been defiant with reporters, but when it comes to meeting the public and performing the Herculean tasks handed to him, Barthez has shown plenty of humility and willingness. The former AS Monaco FC and Manchester United FC player has certainly put the hours in.

Final labours
Barthez's final task will see him working with referees on 8 and 9 October. Before then, he is due to help out in Futsal development, manage a beach soccer tournament and, in September, help conduct opening training sessions for a group of Under-8 players.

Role model
The goalkeeper has undoubtedly done good work as he served his penance, but it has also alerted him to the importance of his position as a role-model for young people in France. "Having spat at a referee made me feel uncomfortable, especially with the kids," he admitted.

Unusual precedent
As punishment for his misdemeanour, Barthez has taken the opportunity to set a good example for youth and amateur players in France. His exile among the grassroots of French football may now set a precedent for other associations to give troublesome players a valuable dose of reality.