Mischo says neither the football federation nor the national coach can sidestep responsibility for keeping Gerson Rodrigues on the squad, calling for stronger ethical standards in team selection.

Sports Minister Georges Mischo has sharply criticised the decision to nominate national footballer Gerson Rodrigues, following his conviction on appeal for domestic violence and bodily harm, calling it "borderline" and saying a stronger message should have been sent by leaving the player out for a time.

According to Mischo, the role model function expected of athletes is being trampled on. While he is not allowed to intervene in nomination procedures, he insisted that both the national coach and the football federation must take responsibility.

He also condemned the exclusion of a Quotidien journalist from a recent press conference, calling it "an absolute no-go". Critical questions, he said, are no reason to sideline a journalist, and such behaviour is unacceptable. The reporter must be readmitted to all future press conferences. Mischo compared the move to tactics used by Donald Trump and Viktor Orban, stressing he could not identify with such conduct.

Mischo said he conveyed this message directly to football federation president Paul Philipp during a meeting on Thursday. National coach Luc Holtz was asked about the situation at the official press conference ahead of Friday's match. While he answered questions, Holtz stood by his position.

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