A recent incident involving Jeunesse Esch player Younes Mouadden, who declined to shake hands with female supporters after Sunday’s match in Käerjeng for religious reasons, has sparked considerable debate, particularly online.
In response, the club has referred the matter to the Luxembourg Agency for Integrity in Sport (ALIS).
Marc Theisen, president of Jeunesse Esch, told RTL that neither he nor any members of the club’s committee witnessed the moment themselves and have relied on Mouadden’s explanation.
The player explained that his decision was motivated by faith and was not intended to offend the women involved.
Theisen emphasised that religious convictions should be respected, but acknowledged that others may interpret or criticise the refusal to shake hands differently.
He insisted that tolerance must apply on both sides of the debate.
However, Theisen shared his concern about some of the reactions that have since appeared on social media, saying the discussion has, in some quarters, become malicious and almost defamatory.
He noted that accusations have targeted not only the player but also the club and its committee members.
Asked whether legal action could be taken, Theisen said the committee would meet next week to decide how best to respond to the comments, while also leaving open the possibility of engaging in dialogue with those responsible for the posts.
Theisen added that he hopes guidance from the Ethics Committee will help sports clubs in Luxembourg deal with similar conflicts in future, stressing that it is not the club’s role to issue moral lessons on such matters.
