Hugo Fontani, the experienced goalkeeper of Team Strasbourg, has reportedly declined a call-up to the French national team for the ongoing preparation camp and the European Championship qualifiers currently taking place in Malta. The story was first reported by SOPOLO, a French media outlet dedicated to water polo.

According to SOPOLO, Fontani’s absence coincides with a particularly sensitive moment for Strasbourg, who were recently eliminated in the semifinals of the French Elite Championship by Pays d’Aix Natation. That series was surrounded by controversy, with criticism from various voices in French water polo regarding refereeing decisions that some claim significantly influenced the result.

Adding to the tensions, Alexandre Donsimoni, head coach of Aix-en-Provence, also serves as assistant coach to Florian Bruzzo on the national team staff. While there is no formal link between this dual role and Fontani’s decision, the connection has allegedly contributed to frustration within the Strasbourg camp.

SOPOLO reports that national team coach Florian Bruzzo contacted Strasbourg management in an effort to persuade Fontani to participate in the national team’s European campaign. However, the club reportedly refused to pressure their player, instead backing his right to make a personal decision.

While no official statement has been made by Fontani or the French federation regarding the motives for his absence, Team Strasbourg is understood to support their goalkeeper fully. The club is said to value his choice to remain focused on internal matters following a turbulent end to their domestic season.

Though unconfirmed, the situation has raised questions about the broader dynamic between club and country obligations, and how political or personal tensions may impact team selections at the international level.

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