Madagascar removes Zacharie Boucher from national squad

The Madagascar Football Federation has removed goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher from the national team squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria and Tanzania. The decision came just two days after his initial call-up.

The removal follows the resurfacing of controversial statements made by the 34-year-old Troyes goalkeeper in 2018. At that time, Boucher, who was born on Réunion and has Malagasy heritage, explicitly rejected the possibility of playing for Madagascar, stating, “I am French, I have never been Malagasy.” He further emphasized his identity by saying, “I am French, proud to be French and I have no intention of playing for the African Cup of Nations for anyone.”

Following discussions between the federation and head coach Corentin Martens regarding these past remarks, the decision was made to exclude him from the upcoming gathering. Boucher, a former France U-21 player, will be replaced by an alternative goalkeeper.