The case of fake medical certificates continues to shake Alsatian football

With more than 500 false medical certificates uncovered, and numerous penalties against clubs, Alsace football is in turmoil.

For several weeks, sanctions have been falling on players and club officials involved in the fake medical certificates scandal. And they are severe, ranging from six months to five years in prison. “There are suspicions about approximately 500 players in the Grand Est League,” explained Marc Hoog, vice-president of the Alsace District to Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace. There have been many cases where the certificate was bought on Snapchat. Then there were cases where a player went to his doctor, then passed on the certificate to his friends, who used it. And there are other possible circuits, but they have not yet been proven.” “

It all started in the fall after the discovery of fake medical certificates provided with the stamp of Doctor Wolff. He actually filed a complaint. “These are 62 cases that started from there,” said the Alsatian elected official. The first case affected ASTR Wittenheim, where it was realized that the certificates were identical.”>”It must be understood that it is very difficult to detect this type of fraud. Licenses are the responsibility of the League. The Grand Est League issues 215,000 in a season.” “

Another fifty players called up last week

All Leagues are affected each season, like Bourgogne Franche-Comté in 2024-2025. But it’s the extent of this fraud that raises eyebrows in the Grand Est. “This raises many questions,” said Marc Hoog. “”Some clubs that field players who cheated will move up or stay up. There is a kind of underlying grumble that is emerging.” Several clubs penalized with lost matches decided to react. According to the regional newspaper, about ten club presidents decided to take collective action against the Grand Est League. Because it is the one that issues licenses.”

But the number of fake medical certificates continues to rise. Another fifty players were called up last week by the regional sports and club change control commission. Is this still just the tip of the iceberg? In any case, this sprawling case raises the question of medical certificates. “This is a point for reflection,” admitted Marc Hoog. “We do not realize. It is increasingly difficult to get an appointment with a doctor, especially in rural areas.” Some sports federations have already replaced the medical certificate with a health questionnaire. Maybe that’s the solution…