L'Équipe du Soir returns with six major departures and two new female contributors

L’Équipe du Soir returns to air on Tuesday with a heavily revamped panel, following the departure of six long-standing contributors and the arrival of two new female recruits.

Among those departing are Johan Micoud, Éric Blanc and Régis Testelin, who were thanked by presenter Olivier Ménard during the final broadcast of the season on July 20. Raymond Domenech, Régis Brouard and Jérôme Alonzo will also not be returning. Several journalists who had long contributed to the program — Guillaume Dufy, Hervé Penot, Bernard Lions, Grégory Schneider, Philippe Sanfourche, Dominique Séverac and Sébastien Tarrago — have also left the show.

These departures are part of a broader overhaul desired by management. The role of session chairman is being eliminated, a new set design is being introduced, and the channel is making a clear commitment to gender parity. “We must aim for parity, be very proactive and I have decided to be,” declared Vincent Broussard, head of the channel, in July.

Virginie Sainsily and Pia Clémens are being retained. They will be joined by former athlete Héloïse Kane and former professional footballer Nicole Abar, who will be making her television debut. Maël Seror, editorial director of La Chaîne L’Équipe, expressed enthusiasm about her: “She is full of energy, she follows football closely and she has character, with her little South-West accent. She still participates in veterans’ football tournaments, she’s a real character. She has never done television but she is very motivated!”