Recently, following Sandrine Barbarin’s complaint, another controversy has emerged involving Francis Didier, the former president of the French Karate Federation. Didier is alleged to have been involved in a physical altercation with Djamel Bezriche, one of France’s experienced karate coaches. Reports indicate that Didier pinned Bezriche against a wall, and the incident has been documented in a report filed with the Bourgoin-Jallieu gendarmerie. The matter is now in the hands of the French judicial system, and we leave the judgment to the appropriate authorities.

The election of Bruno Verfaillie as President of the French Karate Federation has sparked significant debate. A key point of concern is the 34% abstention rate among eligible voters, which reflects a widespread sense of disillusionment, mistrust, or even apprehension within the electorate — many opting not to participate in the process. Equally troubling is the aggressive behavior displayed by Francis Didier, raising important questions for the World Karate Federation regarding his continued presence in top managerial roles within the organization. It is also noteworthy that FFK played a prominent role in supporting Verfaillie’s candidacy. Furthermore, Verfaillie had stated during his campaign that, if elected, he would consider appointing Didier as an advisor to the new leadership of the federation.

A message attributed to Michel Destin, Technical and Educational Advisor to the French Ministry of Sports, expresses regret over the absence of fraternity, a core republican ideal inherited from the Enlightenment and the Revolution. “We are the heirs of the men and women of the 18th century, champions of an ideal grounded in justice and equality. Yet, this principle appears to have been overlooked at a crucial juncture for the future of our Federation. Our Federation cannot take pride in its bias, lack of neutrality, or significant failures in upholding the fundamental principle of democracy.”

INTERVIEW WITH DJAMEL BEZRICHE

Djamel Bezriche, a 68-year-old veteran coach and a respected member of the French Karate Federation, describes himself as a victim in an official statement provided to the police. Speaking to us through a French interpreter, Bezriche shared his views on the challenges facing the sport, particularly the issue of lifelong presidencies within the World Karate Federation and its affiliates.

Reflecting on the recent turmoil, Bezriche commented:

“After 25 years of authoritarian and undivided leadership, he cannot bear the idea of no longer being president and losing all his powers. As always, he tolerates no opposition and has consistently managed to sideline anyone who dared to disagree with him. This aggression and complete lack of self-control arose from frustration following his loss of power. When he assaulted me, he made it clear by saying, ‘I’m no longer president, I no longer have any constraints, no longer any limits.’”

Bezriche further noted that while Didier officially no longer holds any leadership position, he continues to wield significant influence, as evidenced by the support Bruno Verfaillie received during the election.

“Today, he no longer represents anything; he is just another member of the FFK, like everyone else. Yet, his influence remains considerable, as shown by the number of votes Bruno Verfaillie secured.”

According to Bezriche, Didier struggles to accept being out of direct power and is now forced to operate through Bruno Verfaillie.

“He can no longer put himself forward as he once did. His ego has taken a hit.”

BORDER CONCERNS ABOUT LEADERSHIP

“In my opinion, both the current World and French karate presidents certainly have an excessive thirst for power. They do not feel very concerned by the karate practitioners. They refuse to give up power because it is their only way to exist. They reign over the federations of the planet and call the shots.”

Bezriche’s remarks highlight deeper tensions within the French Karate Federation, raising questions about leadership, governance, and the balance of power in the sport.

I reminded Djamel Bezriche that, despite 34% abstaining from the election, 56% of those who voted showed no appetite for change. They supported Bruno Verfaillie, the former head of the French Refereeing Committee and the preferred candidate of Francis Didier. How did he interpret this outcome?

“Some people are afraid of change or perhaps worried about losing their privileges. Others fear losing their positions within the national federation or local committees. Many are attached to their ranks and roles in regional or local structures, driven by the same kind of ego that Francis Didier displayed during his presidency of the FFK. They are reluctant to let go of their power and the financial benefits tied to it.”

He also pointed to a troubling sense of apathy within the karate community:

“There are those who simply don’t care or feel disconnected from the decline of karate in France. When you consider that 56% of the French karate clubs took part in the presidential election, it reflects one of two possibilities—they were either uninformed or entirely indifferent.”

Bezriche’s remarks shed light on the deeper issues plaguing French karate — resistance to reform, self-preservation among officials, and disengagement from the broader community — all of which continue to cast a shadow over the sport’s future.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO ELECTION INTEGRITY

The presidential election for the French Karate Federation took place between December 5 and 12, 2024, featuring two leading candidates — Gilles Cherdieu and Bruno Verfaillie. In the end, Verfaillie emerged victorious, securing 56% of the votes and was officially declared the winner by the federation.

However, the election has been overshadowed by allegations of irregularities and bias. Multiple reports have been submitted to French judicial authorities, accusing the federation and the election oversight commission of failing to ensure a fair and impartial voting process.

These claims have raised serious questions about the integrity of the election and cast a shadow over the legitimacy of Verfaillie’s victory.