For Zacharie Boucher, a first Madagascar call-up has ended before the September gathering could begin. The Troyes goalkeeper, 34, has been withdrawn after the federation was made aware of public comments he made in 2018, when he said he did not consider himself eligible or willing to represent the Barea.
The move
Boucher had been selected for the first time by Madagascar coach Corentin Martins for the squad due to meet later this month. He will not now take part in the camp.
The Malagasy federation announced on Saturday that Martins had been informed of remarks attributed to the player in an interview given several years ago. It noted that Boucher did not yet know of his potential eligibility for Madagascar at the time of those comments.
In October 2018, Boucher was unequivocal about the prospect of playing for Madagascar. He said he was French, had never been Malagasy and could see no basis for the reports linking him to the national team.
“My passport says French,” he said at the time, adding that he would decline a call from the Madagascar coach. “Administratively, I could not do it either. I am not Malagasy.”
The keeper also stressed the importance he placed on the France shirt, saying he was proud to be French and had no intention of representing another team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The French season around it
Born in Saint-Pierre, Réunion, Boucher came through the academy at Le Havre and has played for Toulouse, Auxerre, Angers, Aris Thessaloniki and Bastia during his career. He is contracted to Troyes but has not appeared in a matchday squad so far this season.
He represented France throughout the youth international pathway, from under-16 level to the under-21s. He could also be eligible to play for Réunion.
