The president of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, Brigitte Henriques, has announced her resignation from her post. The move comes as the CNOSF faces intensifying pressure just hours before a critical session in which members will debate a motion of no confidence. The outcome leaves the organization without a clear leader as it heads toward the Paris Olympic Games, raising questions about governance and continuity at a pivotal moment.
The resignation appears to cap months of internal strain within the CNOSF, a body that has found itself split into competing camps. One camp backs Henriques, while another aligns with the institution’s former leader, Denis Masseglia, who serves as the organization’s honorary president and remains a strong influence within CNOSF circles. The divide has shaped the political terrain of the committee, colouring perceptions of the direction the federation should take in the lead up to the Games.
Initially, Masseglia offered public support for Henriques, but the relationship soured after the dismissal of the chief executive officer, Didier Seminet, who was viewed as a trusted facilitator within the organization. The sacking intensified tensions and spurred a cascade of accusations and counteraccusations that have dominated CNOSF discourse in recent months. As the leadership questions mounted, both sides exchanged remarks that underscored a broader conflict over governance, transparency, and accountability within the federation.
Accusations surrounding the organization’s financial management have been a recurring feature of the dispute. Masseglia threatened to challenge the agency’s finances in response to concerns raised about governance since Henriques assumed leadership. At the same time, questions were raised about past behavior involving Henriques, drawing scrutiny from various quarters. The exchange of allegations has contributed to a climate of instability that has affected the CNOSF’s ability to project a unified front ahead of the Olympic cycle.
With the situation unsettled, the CNOSF finds itself temporarily led by the secretary-general, Astrid Guyart, while a new leadership vote is scheduled to occur within a three month window. The interim arrangement aims to ensure that CNOSF operations continue smoothly as the organization navigates a delicate transition. This interim period is watched closely by national sports federations, athletes, sponsors, and the broader community who are keenly interested in clear governance and stable leadership as Canada and the United States follow the CNOSF’s actions within the Olympic ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee and the wider Olympic family are monitoring the situation as it unfolds. David Lappartient, president of the International Cycling Union and a member of the IOC, is expected to be involved in guiding the process and ensuring continuity in CNOSF activities that intersect with international sports governance. The events surrounding CNOSF leadership underscore how quickly organizational dynamics can shift in the run up to a major sporting event, highlighting the importance of steady management, transparent decision making, and adherence to shared ethical standards within national sports bodies.
As CNOSF moves through this transition, stakeholders in North America and beyond will be watching how the organization addresses its internal differences and restores a stable path forward. The coming weeks will be defining for CNOSF, as it seeks to reaffirm its commitment to sport, athletes, and the broader Olympic mission while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the Paris Games. The emphasis remains on governance that is open, accountable, and capable of uniting diverse perspectives around a common objective: supporting French athletes on the world stage and sustaining the integrity of the Olympic movement.