Jocelyn Blanchard leaves Troyes immediately after sexism probe

Estac Troyes announced the departure of Jocelyn Blanchard as sporting director with immediate effect, following reports about alleged sexist behavior and a judicial investigation.

As RMC Sport reports, the former midfielder—appointed to the role this summer—was already under scrutiny as part of an internal inquiry run by City Football Group (CFG), the club’s parent company. That review came after multiple complaints about his conduct toward female staff at Troyes, including the transfer to the club of Elisa Sicking-Bressler, head of protection for minors and vulnerable people within CFG.

Now the case has moved to the courts: l’Est éclair and France 3 Grand Est say prosecutor Isabelle Verissimo confirmed that an investigation has been opened into sexist conduct. Investigations are handled by the Troyes police station.

In a brief statement, the club said it will ensure continuity of its sporting project and will “begin soon” the process to hire a new sporting director. Blanchard is presumed innocent.