With UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 well underway, FSE is pleased to present a special edition of the SLO Spotlight series, highlighting the work of France Women’s National Team SLO Arnaud Szymanski.
Arnaud took up the national team role in 2023, following seven years as the SLO at a Ligue 1 club.
EURO 2025 is Arnaud’s first women’s tournament as SLO, and he’s been busy supporting and coordinating with French fan groups travelling across Switzerland to back Les Bleues. Below, Arnaud offers an insight into his time in the role so far, and how his experience at club level translates to the international stage.
This interview was conducted ahead of France’s opening match of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 against England.
How long have you been your national team’s SLO, and what made you decide to want to do the role?
“I have been the SLO for the French Football Federation for one year. Before being recruited by the FFF, I was the SLO at Racing Club de Strasbourg (France) for 7 years. When the FFF created the position, I thought it was a great opportunity to grow in the profession.”
You are present at men’s and women’s teams matches, what are the biggest similarities on the matchdays for you in working with the supporters attending? And the biggest differences?
“UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 will be the first women’s tournament I’ve been involved in since taking up my position at the FFF. I’ve worked with our supporter groups for every group stage match to help them come and support our French team in Switzerland. We’re very proud that more than 2,000 French supporters will be present for the first match against England. I’m looking forward to being there with them to discover all the similarities, but also the differences, between men’s and women’s competitions.”
What are the biggest challenges when travelling away with the women’s national team to a tournament?
“Regardless of which team is playing, it’s essential that our supporters have a point of contact and feel safe. There are no risk-free matches. Football is a sport that generates passion, joy, and strong emotions, so the biggest challenge is always to be up to the task.”
Can you tell us a bit about your planning for this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO? And your expectations?
“Several of us were involved in organising this tournament for our supporters. Colleagues from the marketing department focused on fan engagement — that is, finding places where our supporters could meet up and connect before matches. On my side, I focused on working with our supporter associations. I was UEFA’s main contact for materials, tifos, etc.”
How do you maintain the relationship with supporters when the gaps in between matches can be weeks and months?
“I operate the same way I did at club level. I stay in regular contact. For example, we’ve already held a planning meeting for the next World Cup. In the meantime, we have lots of matches to manage, which involve our associations and supporters. We’ve also, with the help of expert organisations, raised awareness among almost all of our supporter groups about discrimination. In the end, there aren’t really any quiet periods in the calendar year.”
What’s been the biggest change in your role since you also became SLO of the women’s team?
“There’s less demand, less volume for now. We’re trying to change that, and we’re counting on the women’s team to generate more enthusiasm. I’d also say that the crowd is more family oriented. The atmosphere is really very friendly.”
How well do you know the other SLOs of other women’s national teams? Do you help each other a lot?
“As of now, no. I’m really looking forward to meeting them in Switzerland during the EURO!”
What advice would you give to those new to the SLO role at international level?
“Since I started in this role, I’ve understood one thing: there are no easy matches. I advise all future SLOs to be fair and transparent with supporters. Supporters are, by nature, passionate people who come to watch a football match. Supporters who are organised in associations are a key part of the stadium atmosphere and should be supported. They need to be helped to grow so that our stadiums are places where fans sing, jump, and support our teams. Also, I think you shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with your counterpart if any questions or problems arise.”
Football Supporters Europe would like to thank Arnaud and the FFF for taking part in the interview.
Learn more about SLOs and FSE’s role in developing the position here.
Contact us to find out more about the Supporter Liaison Officer role here.