French basketball wants the men's Euro in 2015. At the initiative of its president, Jean-Pierre Siutat, the French Basketball Federation has worked hard to complete a solid application file in one month. Initially awarded to Ukraine, the event was withdrawn by FIBA ​​Europe, a decision motivated by the political context in the former Soviet republic. One week before the deadline for submitting application files, set for July 31, Jean-Pierre Siutat answered questions from FrancsJeux.

FranncsJeux: Where is France's application file for the men's Euro basketball tournament in 2015?

Jean-Pierre Siutat: It's closed. As soon as Ukraine's withdrawal was announced in early June, we set to work to submit an application. We had six weeks ahead of us. On June 18, the government said banco to apply not just for part of the competition, but for the entire tournament. A month later, our file was ready. We are now waiting for July 31, the date set by FIBA ​​Europe for submitting applications, to find out our competitors.

What is the competition like?

We do not yet have all the elements, but many countries want the Euro. Among the names frequently heard are Croatia, Poland, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Latvia, Israel, Turkey…

Why did you submit a French application?

The idea is not new. I have wanted to host a continental event since November 2010. At the time, we had put together a joint file with Germany, Italy and Croatia for Euro 2015. It failed. And FIBA ​​Europe awarded the event to Ukraine. But the idea never left us. It has taken on even more meaning since the French team's European title last year.

What are the strengths of the French file?

The first round would be organized on two sites, Montpellier and Nantes, the latter city being a traditional stronghold of French basketball, with 65.000 licensees in Pays de la Loire. The final round would take place in Lille, the only place where we can accommodate more than 15.000 spectators. Our project is innovative, since it will involve transforming a football stadium into a basketball arena, capable of accommodating 30.000 people. This would be a first in our sport. If we had been able to build a file around a second round at Bercy, we would clearly have been the favorites. But the POPB renovation work will not be finished.

What was the reaction of the public authorities?

They have been with us from the beginning. I recently had lunch again with Manuel Valls, in Matignon, to discuss the project. We can count on a mobilization like I have never seen.

Did she surprise you?

No. We have a very good application. The presence of Tony Parker in the project constitutes a magnificent showcase. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the Minister of Sports, was immediately won over. It wants to show that France can today organize both international events with long preparations, such as Euro football in 2016, and competitions to be set up quickly, with great responsiveness.

What is the forecast budget for Euro 2015?

10 million euros. The FFBB would provide half of it, from its own funds and thanks to the resources of ticketing, marketing, merchandising, etc. The other half would be provided by the public authorities.

What are the next steps?

A FIBA ​​Europe inspection visit at the beginning of August. Then the definitive answer a month later.