The Soccer Dispatch

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πŸ‡«πŸ‡· Magie de la coupe - the Coupe de France is a magnificent anomaly in modern football

Thousands of teams, away trips of over 8,000 miles... this isn't a normal competition!

Graham Ruthven's avatar
Graham Ruthven
Dec 19, 2024
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There is no cup competition like the Coupe de France.

Every season, more than 8,000 teams enter the competition. Some of them have to travel halfway across the world to play.

Last season, Martinique-based club Golden Lion made a 8,600-mile round trip to face Lille in the round of 64 only to lose 12-0. At least they had jet lag to blame.

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Open to all clubs in France and associated territories, the Coupe de France is the biggest cup competition in the world. It’s also proof of why cup competitions must survive modern football.

La magie de la coupe is alive and well.

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