Zaïre-Emery banned from bar at France's Boston base camp, too young under Massachusetts law

Warren Zaïre-Emery will be the only France player barred from accessing the bar at his hotel during the World Cup. At 20 years old, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is up against Massachusetts law, which prohibits entry to any bar not serving food to anyone under 21 — including without alcohol consumption and even in the presence of an adult.

The Bleus arrived in Boston on Wednesday after nearly eight hours of flight, settling into the Four Seasons downtown, entirely privatized by the French Football Federation. The five-star establishment features spacious rooms, a fitness centre, a swimming pool and several communal areas for meals and relaxation. It is in this setting that the France team chef, Xavier Rousseau, will work alongside Patrice Martineau, his counterpart at the hotel.

Among the facilities is the Aujourd’hui Bar, which players are unlikely to frequent much during their stay anyway. For Zaïre-Emery, the question does not even arise: access is legally forbidden until his 21st birthday.

Désiré Doué narrowly avoided the same situation. The Paris striker celebrated his 21st birthday eight days ago, which allows him to cross the threshold without issue.