It is a first in France. At the initiative of La Poste, the French football, handball, basketball, and rugby federations will conduct an operation to reduce disrespect towards referees. During the major national finals at the end of the season, the referees will wear a number on their back, like the players usually do: the number 84. This number comes from an IPSOS/BVA study revealing that 84% of French people believe that valuing referees is protecting the sport.
The French Cup final between Lens and Nice this Friday night is thus the first match of this operation. Several others will follow until the end of June, in different sports.
“Fostering a collective awareness” The referees are on the frontline facing disrespectful behaviors that weaken the sport at all levels. However, they explain the rules, enforce them, and enable the game. The objective of this campaign is to remind that they are essential for the smooth running of a match, with the slogan “Without referees, no match. Without respect, no sport.” Through this “awareness and prevention initiative”, La Poste aims to “foster a collective awareness”.
/2026/05/21/6a0eb5679cde4356247373.jpg "Wearing a shirt with the number 84, French team sports referees unite to denounce the incivilities they are victims of")
