Mandy Minella 'surprised' at lack of consequences for footballer convicted of domestic violence

Minella expressed her surprise that the Luxembourg Football Federation (FLF) had failed to issue further consequences for Rodrigues, following his domestic assault conviction at the end of April.

The forward has been selected for Luxembourg's upcoming international matches, with coach Luc Holtz refuting criticism of his decision. Discussing the topic on Thursday, Minella said that representing one's country went beyond simple sport and that players had responsibilities as role models. The FLF should have used the opportunity to send a clear signal that such behaviour has no place in society.

The case has played out against a backdrop of an epidemic of ever-increasing violence against women. The Luxembourg government has invested in the issue, Minella said, citing the National Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence, as well as the action plan against gender-specific violence. But the lack of reaction from the FLF shows that sports results are prioritised above all else.

There are more important things in life than sporting prowess, argued the former professional tennis player, as she said she would have expected Rodrigues to be barred from the team, as well as providing a public and sincere apology.

Ethics charter proposal 

Although the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and The Greens in opposition are demanding real consequences for the matter, calling on the Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports to reprimand the FLF for no longer fulfilling its mandate, Minella was more restrained with her demands. She said she had asked Sports Minister Georges Mischo to introduce an ethics charter in Luxembourgish sport, much like the charter used by the French Football Federation.

Municipal politicians also considered role models 

Minella said she was of the opinion that Rodrigues needed to assume his duties as a role model. However, she waved off a comparison with Esch Alderman and fellow DP member Pim Knaff, who was convicted of tax offences yet refused to step down from his political mandate. Minella said Knaff had cooperated with the authorities and furthermore apologised, unlike Rodrigues.

She said she wished the Red Lions good luck with their match on Friday despite the controversy, and that sport should be celebrated. Politics had no place on the field, she added.

Getting young people moving

Minella went on to discuss what she deems her first personal success in politics – physical activity among school children. She said she had spoken to many people across the board in researching ways to get young people aged 11–18 moving more, as one in five are severely overweight. Her proposal was well-received by Education Minister Claude Meisch, and wraparound childcare facilities (Maison Relais) are to offer two hours of sport each day in future.