The human rights record of Monaco will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Monday29th January, in a meeting in Geneva that will be webcast live.
Monaco is one of 14 States to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session from 22nd January to 2nd February. The first, second and third UPR reviews of Monaco took place in May 2009, October 2013, and November 2018, respectively.
The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. However, each of the 193 UN Member States can participate in a country review.
The delegation of Monaco will be led by Ms. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The HPV vaccine, recommended for both genders, is now available in Monaco free of charge.
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a significant health concern worldwide, known for their highly contagious nature and potential to cause various cancers. Recent data suggests that over their lifetimes, approximately 90% of men and women will experience at least one HPV-related infection, often without noticeable symptoms. This silent progression underscores the importance of preventive measures, especially in light of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) estimation that cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV, ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally.
The HPV vaccine, available since 2006, has emerged as a key player in the fight against these cancers. Utilising conventional technology, the vaccine targets the virus’s proteins to block its entry into the body. The WHO endorses this vaccine for both girls and boys, pointing to its effectiveness in reducing cancer risks. Countries like Australia, Argentina, and Belgium have reported promising strides towards eradicating HPV-related cancers, attributing this success to high immunisation rates.
Monaco’s progressive step
In Monaco, as of December 2023, the HPV vaccination has been made completely free for individuals covered by Monegasque social security, reflecting a commitment to public health and cancer prevention. The vaccine is equally recommended for girls and boys, as both are susceptible to HPV infections and the subsequent risk of developing cancer. The vaccination regimen consists of two doses, administered six months apart, with no need for a booster shot.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Wednesday the nominations for its 96th ceremony in March and nine were featured in Cannes’ Official Selection.
Actors Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid announced the nominations live from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater via a global live stream and the Academy’s digital platforms, an international satellite feed and broadcast media.
Afterwards, the Festival de Cannes congratulated the nine films that had received Oscars nominations and had also featured in its Official Selection. They will be represented in 16 categories and cumulating 26 nominations on 11th March in Los Angeles.
Among those to make the cut is Justine Triet’s 2023 Palme d’or winner, Anatomy of a Fall,produced by Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion, distributed in France by Jean Labadie and Le Pacte, by Tom Quinn and Neon in the US and sold internationally by mk2 Films. The film is nominated in five categories: Best Director for Justine Triet, Best Actress in a leading role for Sandra Hüller, Best Original screenplay for Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, Best Editing for Laurent Sénéchal and Best Picture.
Anatomy of a Fall by Justine Triet (France, 2023) – Competition – Palme D’Or
5 nominations: Actress in a leading role; Best picture; Film editing; Directing; Writing (original screenplay)
Justine Triet dissects relationships in her movie. The plot: Sandra, Samuel and their visually impaired son Daniel have been living in a remote mountain location for the past year. When Samuel is found dead outside the house, an investigation for death in suspicious circumstances is launched. Amidst the uncertainty, Sandra is indicted: Was it suicide or homicide? A year later Daniel attends his mother’s trial, a veritable dissection of his parents’ relationship.
Elemental by Peter Sohn (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
1 Nomination: Animated feature film
Pixar’s Elemental is an original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.
Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania (France, Tunisia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, 2023) – Competition
1 Nomination: Documentary feature film
Between light and darkness stands Olfa, a Tunisian woman and the mother of four daughters.
One day, her two older daughters disappear. To fill in their absence, the filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania invites professional actresses and invents a unique cinema experience that will lift the veil on Olfa and her daughters’ life stories.
An intimate journey of hope, rebellion, violence, transmission and sisterhood that will question the very foundations of our societies.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny by James Mangold (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
1 Nomination: Music (original score)
Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this fifth installment of the iconic franchise.
Killers of the Flower Moon by Martin Scorsese (USA, 2023) – Out of Competition
10 Nominations: Actress in a leading role; Actor in a supporting role; Best picture; Cinematography; Costume design; Directing; Film editing; Music (original score); Music (original song); Production design
Based on David Grann’s broadly lauded best-selling book, Killers of the Flower Moon is set in 1920s Oklahoma and depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation, a string of brutal crimes that came to be known as the Reign of Terror.
May December by Todd Haynes (USA, 2022) – Competition
1 Nomination: Writing (original screenplay)
Questioning the past with May December. Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
Perfect Day by Wim Wenders (Japan, 2023) – Competition – Best Actor
1 Nomination: International feature film
Hirayama seems utterly content with his simple life as a cleaner of toilets in Tokyo. Outside of his very structured everyday routine he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. A series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his past. A deeply moving and poetic reflection on finding beauty in the everyday world around us.
Robot Dreams by Pablo Berger (Spain, France, 2023) – Special screenings
1 Nomination: Animated feature film
Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC. One summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach. Will they ever meet again?
Robot Dreams is the first animation film by the award-winning director Pablo Berger (Blancanieves). A story about friendship, its importance, and its fragility.
The Zone of Interest by Jonathan Glazer (USA, UK, Poland, 2022) – Competition – Grand Prix
5 Nominations: Best picture; Directing; International feature film; Sound; Writing (adapted screenplay)
Jonathan Glazer reflects on Humanity with this movie. The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
The 77th Cannes Film Festival will take place from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 25th May 2024. The Official Selection will be unveiled mid-April.
The French government has confirmed that the more than 14 million pensioners affiliated with the Cnav, SRE, CNRACL and CNAVPL schemes, as well as those entitled to a reversionary pension, ASI and Aspa, will see their pension payments rise by 5.3% from February.
Pensions are annually re-evaluated in France according to increases noted in the average value of the consumer price index, excluding tobacco products, connecting the process to cost-of-living variables experienced the previous year.
In 2023, the increase was just 0.8%.
Supplementary schemes follow their own set of rules and therefore are not included in the state increase.
The holiday rental platform Airbnb has revealed that the taxe de séjour contributions generated by its listings in France during 2023 added more than €187 million to the coffers of villages, towns and cities up and down the country.
In the south of France, short and long-term stays booked via Airbnb created almost €40 million in tourist tax-based revenue: more than €13 million in the Alpes-Maritimes; in excess of €10 million in the Var and just under in the Bouches-du-Rhône; €2.7 million in Vaucluse; €1.4 million for communes in the Hautes-Alpes; and €770,000 in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Marseille’s Airbnbs produced over €4.2 million in tourist tax contributions, a figure no doubt buoyed by the influx of travellers who stayed in the city during the Rugby World Cup, while Nice and Cannes were close behind with €4.1 million and €2.9 million apiece.
But small and medium-sized communes in the region also did well out of their Airbnb-registered rentals. Over 260 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur communes saw at least €100,000 in tourist tax paid out by Airbnb at the end of 2023.
In total, just over €187 million was collected by the accommodation rental platform in France last year, benefiting the municipal coffers of over 24,5000 villages, towns and cities across the country. This represents a 25% increase on the amount generated in 2022.
What is the taxe de séjour?
France’s taxe de séjour – or tourist tax – is payable per person per night and varies according to the type of accommodation and the commune. It must be included on the bill given to the person renting the accommodation and should be collected either by the landlord or owner of the property, the hotelier or the “the professional who provides the internet booking service on behalf of the landlord, the hotelier [or] the owner.”
A commune-specific simulator is available here and more information on the tax can be found here.
ASM Danse Sportive, which was formed as an official sports association in Monaco in 2009, has transformed itself from an incubator for competition-level dancers to an entity that welcomes dancers from all walks of life – even those with two left feet!
The association recently released its 2024 schedule of classes, which are held at venues in the Principality itself as well as in the neighbouring French communes of Cap d’Ail, Beausoleil and La Turbie, and there really is something for everyone, regardless of age and ability.
This year’s variety of dance styles include West Coast Swing, Rock’n’Roll, Zumba, the exotically named Kizomba, Jazz and Modern, to name but a few.
Added to this is a range for couples only that features the likes of the Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot and Jive alongside perennial Latin favourites like Rumba, Samba and the Paso Doble. There’s also yoga and Pilates on offer for those looking to tone up in-between sessions!
Group lessons are available for the casual dancer, while private lessons and regular training can be had for those looking to take their talents to the competition floor.
To explore the schedule and get information on prices and times, click here. You can also find out more about the association by clicking here.
The spotlight of honour was on Bulgaria and its cultural heritage at this year’s Orthodox Church of Monaco Christmas Gala, which welcomed distinguished guests to One Monte-Carlo for a night of communion and philanthropy in favour of the Croix Rouge Monégasque.
On 12th January 2024, the Orthodox Church of Monaco hosted its fifth Orthodox Christmas Gala at One Monte-Carlo’s Salle des Arts.
Aligning with the Julian calendar, this event takes place 13 days after Western Christmas and spotlights a different Orthodox country each year, with Bulgaria being the focus of this most recent edition.
The evening began with a Christmas prayer service led by His Grace Irenei, Bishop of London and Western Europe, at Saint Elena’s Parish.
The ceremony was then followed by a procession to the Place du Casino and the venue, where a champagne reception welcomed the esteemed guests, which included a 40-strong delegation from Bulgaria and notable Monegasque politicians, to the Salle des Arts.
The culinary highlight of the night was a Bulgarian-themed dinner crafted by the renowned chef Andre Tokev, who had flown in from Sofia. His collaboration with local Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer chefs introduced the Monaco crowd to an authentic Bulgarian dinner experience and featured “the best wines and spirits of the Balkan country”. It was accompanied by entertainment provided by a prominent Bulgarian Orthodox choir and the singer Olla.
Sotheby’s also conducted an exciting auction during the course of the evening, raising €32,000 for the Croix Rouge Monégasque charity branch.
Alexander Hagerty, the founding president of the Orthodox Church of Monaco – Saint Elena’s Parish that was officially recognised by the Monaco Government in 2017, commented on the event’s success, saying, “We are extremely proud of our parishioners and generous guests.”
Other thanks went to the Banque Eric Sturdza and Amura, a caviar house in Monaco, for their assistance in organising and supporting the event, which was overseen by Trust Events.
Click on the images below to see more from the event:
Qualified childcare assistants looking for a change of scenery might find their perfect new position within the Mairie de Monaco’s structure of childcare facilities, following an announcment via social media that the Early Childhood and Families Department is looking to fill five postings.
The Mairie de Monaco operates a number of different childcare facilities across the Principality. These include: eight crèches and three micro-crèches for children aged two months to three years of age; the Jardin d’Eveil for children aged two and three; and eight affiliated childminders, who welcome children into their homes. In total, almost 450 spaces are available for children of pre-school age.
The specific locations for the new positions have not been revealed in the recent job posting on the Mairie de Monaco’s social media pages, but interested parties can get in touch with the recruitment service to find out more information on +377 93 15 61 80.
Other job opportunities in Monaco
On Wedneday 31st January, the Fairmont Monte Carlo will be hosting an in-house recruitment event for some 260 positions across almost all of its departments. For more information about the event, click here or contact fmc.recrutement@fairmont.com.
On Friday 16th February, the Monaco Government will be holding the second edition of the Monaco pour l’Emploi job forum at the Grimaldi Forum. 12 different sectors and industries are expected to be present. Click here for more information.
Monaco’s historic Café de Paris has undergone a remarkable rebirth, transforming into a world-class destination after a two-year and €55 million renovation. Monaco Life explores the intricacies of the project’s design and how the Café de Paris came to live up to its iconic reputation.
Entrusting the renovation to the esteemed David Collins Studio, renowned for prestigious projects worldwide, owner Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer aimed to preserve the original DNA while modernising this iconic establishment.
According to the Studio’s Chief Creative Officer Simon Rawlings, it was vital that the new design integrate the Café de Paris seamlessly within the Triangle d’Or and its iconic neighbours: the Hôtel de Paris and the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. The goal was not for the Café de Paris to stand out but to harmonise with its surroundings.
The Café de Paris sits alongside its famous neighbours the Hôtel de Paris, opposite, and the Casino de Monte-Carlo on the left. Photo by Monaco Life
“What gives this a timelessness in terms of longevity is the connectivity between the Café de Paris and what you’re seeing in the Hôtel de Paris across the square, to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and all around. It feels like it all fits together, because with such a high-profile venue, we didn’t want it to standout,” Rawlings tells Monaco Life.
Timeless authenticity: modernising while preserving heritage
The rebuild successfully created an atmosphere that feels both familiar and new. Rawlings notes that the design draws inspiration from various sources.
“If you look around this grand café, there are inspirations from everywhere. The moulding details were taken from the main ballroom of the Hôtel de Paris, the colour palate came from the iconic glass screens in the original Café de Paris, which have been retained and brought front and centre in this design. There’s a relevance to everything, and that’s the key.”
The original horoscope dividers have been restored and reinstated in the Café de Paris. Photo by Monaco Life
The result is a carefully curated space that feels authentic, blending the old with the new.
A market-inspired vibe was also introduced, featuring a lemonade bar at the front and a fish counter at the rear, encouraging patrons to explore the venue fully.
The true impact of the redesign will be felt in summer, says Rawlings, when giant glass doors seamlessly connect the Café to the bustling Casino Square.
Versatility in design: adapting to diverse experiences
The Café de Paris caters to a diverse audience, from tourists seeking the Café’s legendary ambience to locals looking for a chic brasserie or a late meal after the opera. The two-level structure provides flexibility, with a more intimate and formal atmosphere upstairs and a vibrant, informal setting on the ground floor.
Private areas offer options for events, gatherings and parties, with the entire first floor available for exclusive hire.
The design allows for a range of experiences, from a casual aperitivo at the bar or quick work lunch to a formal dinner replete with white table cloths in cosy booths.
Upstairs provides patrons with a more formal dining experience. Photo by Monaco Life.
A Parisian touch in Monaco: crafting an authentic atmosphere
Rawlings and his team aimed for authenticity in the Café de Paris redesign, sourcing materials from French manufacturers and drawing inspiration from Parisian brasseries.
The challenge was to capture the essence of a city brasserie while adapting to Monaco’s unique climate and sunlight.
“One of the things I was very adamant on from day one, is that whatever we put in here, it had to be authentic; it shouldn’t feel like a film set, so we used the original bentwood chairs, for example, not versions of,” reveals Rawlings. “We took inspiration from the brasseries on the Champs Elysée, but then we had to make it feel less urban.”
The stunning turquoise bar serves the first floor dining room and terrace of the Café de Paris. Photo by Monaco Life
Therefore, the architectural envelope was lightened, floors brightened, and walls painted to create a paler environment that complements the Mediterranean setting.
In summer, the roof opens up, providing a near-outdoor experience. The design balances traditional brasserie decor, such as pleated lampshades and classic pewter bars, with a modern touch.
Artistic flourish: elevating the dining experience
Art plays an important role in the Café de Paris’s ambience. Original artworks commissioned specifically for the restaurant add a unique touch. The artwork, particularly on the first floor, reimagines the classic French-brasserie poster art in a new collage-style presentation, mixing various historic prints and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.
Original images of the café’s bygone days, blown up and displayed en route to the restrooms, further immerse patrons in the establishment’s rich history.
The anchoring centrepiece of the Café de Paris, the light sculpture, also serves as a connection between the two floors. Photo by Monaco Life.
A tower of lights: connecting spaces with sculptural elegance
The most spectacular piece of art is the lighting centrepiece, a tower of lights that was designed by Simon Rawlings and conceived as a visual link between the two floors. Initially featuring wine bottles, then inspired by globe chandeliers, the design evolved into a sculptural masterpiece.
The tower, suspended through the floor and ceiling, adds a touch of glamour and connects the spaces seamlessly.
“I wanted each floor to feel the connectivity of a design detail and for there to be an activity in that design,” reveals Rawlings. “So, the idea is that you descend the stairs glamourously on this very plush, deep red carpet. It is very sexy. Then at some point you pause – I see everybody stopping at about three steps from the bottom – take a photograph and then continue. It has that effect. I like building those kind of experiences into the spaces.”
Lighting is a critical aspect of the ambience of the Café de Paris. Photo by Monaco Life.
Creating atmosphere through lighting: a delicate balance
Lighting was a critical aspect of the design, with multiple fixtures contributing to warmth and ambience. The team has purposefully avoided modern spotlights in favour of a whole range of decorative, brasserie fixtures to maintain a classic Parisian vibe.
“Ultimately in brasseries, light fixtures are the decoration and artwork,” explains Rawlings. “If you look at any traditional brasserie, the more lights, the more impressive; it’s all about the lights.”
The bar as a focal point: adding energy and elegance
The bar, a globally recognised and familiar element to all patrons, serves as a focal point at the new Café de Paris, adding energy and elegance to the vast space. Beyond its functional purpose, the bar becomes a centrepiece, creating a sense of theatre and engagement for patrons.
The bar is one of the most striking elements of the entire café. Photo by Monaco Life
“When you enter a space this big, it can be kind of daunting the first time, and bars are very familiar,” says Rawlings. “I also think a bar gives energy to a room, more than a show kitchen, because a bar is always in use; it’s active but it’s not disruptive. I think the art of mixing a cocktail or pouring a drink can be quite elegant and sexy; it just creates a sense of theatre.”
The Café de Paris redesign stands as a testament to the delicate art of preserving history while embracing modernity. The result is an iconic destination that seamlessly blends Monaco’s charm with timeless elegance, inviting patrons to indulge in an immersive and unforgettable experience. The new chapter of the Café de Paris is sure to be a long one.
AS Monaco Rugby is in mourning following the unexpected death of club manager Vincent Romulus.
The Monegasque club revealed on social networks Tuesday morning that they had just been hit by the devastating news, responding in part:
“Vincent represented the very essence of our sport, a mentor, a benchmark, a dad for all of us. His authenticity, his strength and his heart of gold made him much more than a member of the club, but a pillar of rugby in France. He knew how to transmit and share the values of rugby like no one else. Today we mourn the loss of an exceptional man, loved by all.”
Vincent Romulus began as a player with AS Monaco Rugby 15 years ago before progressing to manager, and was reportedly in good health. The circumstances surrounding his death are unknown.
Vincent Romulus leaves behind his wife Béa and his children Léa and Hugo.
A ruling that allowed a greater deal of flexibility within the titres-restaurant scheme, which was made by the French government in 2022, had been due to terminate at the end of last year, but it will now run until the close of 2024.
Since October 2022, the French government has made the purchasing power of the venerated titres-restaurant meal vouchers go further.
Once used solely to pay for a portion of meals bought by employees who worked in facilities that did not have canteens or cafeterias on-site, the government ruling 15 months ago allowed beneficiaries to also use the vouchers to buy food from supermarkets in a bid to help out those who were struggling to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis and combat the effects of high inflation.
This relaxation of the rules was set to end on 31st December 2023, but has now been prolonged until the end of 2024, according to France’s Journal Officiel.
The list of food items that can be bought under this conditional system is extensive – a full list can be found here – but it does have limitations. For example, alcoholic beverages, baby food and formula, confectionery, pet food and non-edible items, such as cigarettes, cannot be purchased using titres-restaurant.
For more information about the scheme, click here.
Amid the storm of rising electricity bills, which will go up by nearly 10% in France come February, the French government has offered advice to households on how they can reduce their outgoings.
As of 1st February, the cost of residential electricity in France will increase by as much as 9.8% during peak times and by 8.6% for the base rate, it was revealed by Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire in an interview with TF1 on Sunday 21st January.
“It’s a difficult decision, but a necessary decision to protect public finances,” said Le Maire, referencing a need to move away from the “whatever it costs” measures that were introduced in France during the COVID pandemic and in reaction to the Europe-wide energy crisis brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The price hike hasn’t come out of the blue – the reintroduction of a tax on electricity consumption tax that was suspended in 2021 was forewarned – yet few expected it to come so close to the vow made by the government in September 2023 to not raise prices above 10% during the course of 2024.
Among the measures suggested by the government’s guide is the reduction of thermostat temperatures by just 1°C, which can lower overall annual bills by an average of 7%. It also recommends keeping temperatures to a maximum 19°C to avoid inflated costs and setting boiler temperatures to 55°C, which can save consumers 10% per year. Other tips include working around peak hours and the higher tariffs they incur.
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Four decades of efforts to promote and commemorate the deep cultural ties between the Principality of Monaco and Princess Grace’s ancestral home of Ireland will be celebrated this year at the Princess Grace Irish Library with a series of captivating events and exhibitions honouring these connections. Here’s what to expect.
To celebrate its landmark anniversary, the library’s team have curated a special programme of events and exhibitions that commemorates the historic ties between the Principality and Ireland, not just through the late Princess Grace, who was ever fond of her family’s Irish roots, but also those created by Irish poets, authors and artists who have spent time in Monaco.
The events will also champion the “triangular link” between Ireland, the United States and Monaco with a series of lectures and multimedia presentations that will showcase the impact of Irish writers and musicians on the global view of Monaco.
Music features heavily on the programme too. Students of the Académie Rainier III will be reviving treasured pieces from Princess Grace’s private music collection and there will be a number of collaborations between Monaco’s and Ireland’s flagship musical conservatories.
This spring, the library will also welcome Flor MacCarthy, an esteemed author, journalist, presenter and member of the Ireland Funds Monaco Scholar programme, for a special conference on her latest book, ‘The Presidents’ Letters – An Unexpected History of Ireland’, which includes a letter from Princess Grace.
Bridging cultures
Founded by Prince Rainier III in honour of his wife’s family roots, the Princess Grace Irish Library has been a hub for Irish literary excellence since 1984 and houses a significant collection of Irish-American books and music.
The library’s online catalogue, accessible through its website, offers public access to over 500 Irish books and 1,000 rare Irish-American music scores that span from 1840 to the 1950s.
Operated under the auspices of the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation, with the Princess Caroline of Hanover as its president and Prince Albert II as its vice-president, the library stands as a testament to Princess Grace’s enduring cultural influence and the rich tapestry of Irish-American heritage in Monaco.
Almost a year to the day that Rodez knocked AS Monaco out of the Coupe de France in the first round, the Principality side turned history on its head with a hat trick from Wissam Ben Yedder that sees the Rouges et Blancs safely through to the Round of 16.
In a match that took place over the weekend, AS Monaco proved themselves against rivals Rodez, who famously beat the Monegasque team in a tough penalty shootout last year at the Stade Louis II, knocking them out of the Coupe de France in the very first round.
In their most recent face-off at the Stade Paul Lignon on 20th January, Monaco scored in the 10th minute with a penalty won by Folarin Balogun that was converted into a goal by the captain, Ben Yedder. Then it was Rodez’s turn, who equalised with a header by Stone Mambo just over 10 minutes later.
Folarin Balogun then had a goal disallowed for AS Monaco just before half-time, leaving the teams level as they went into the changing rooms.
During the break, manager Adi Hütter made the decision to bring on Maghnes Akliouche.
“It was an attacking choice that paid off, since in the wake of Vandi’s curling effort that was off-target (49′), Wissam Ben Yedder would benefit from good work by Balogun to finish into an empty goal (1-2, 51′),” said a spokesperson for the side in the aftermath. “Our Number 10 had his double, and then shortly thereafter a hat trick, on a very good cross from Kassoum Ouattara, who had already been decisive against Lens (1-3, 58′)!”
It was Ben Yedder’s first hat trick in the Coupe de France and the 250th goal in his career.
Captain Wissam Ben Yedder has now scored 12 goals in 10 games for AS Monaco. Photo credit: AS Monaco FC
Monaco had another few attempts at a goal, but left the pitch 1-3.
The win takes them through to the Round of 16 in the tournament, which will see the Monegasque side next challenge Rouen. The match is set to take place at the Stade Robert-Diochon on 8th February.
Despite every effort on the part of Prince Albert and Louis Ducruet’s Barbagiuans, they simply couldn’t keep up with the ever-stylish Cirque FC, who walked away with their third Fight AIDS Cup win: 3-2.
The fourth edition of the Fight AIDS Cup was held at the Stade Louis II on the evening of 22nd January to the shouts and cheers of local fans who turned out to support their chosen side.
At one end of the pitch were Prince Albert’s Barbagiuans, a mix of Monegasques and those with ties to Monaco, including F1 driver Charles Leclerc and Princess Stéphanie’s son Louis Ducruet, who were playing in the national colours of red and white.
At the other was a mix of international personalities, such as the former professional players Clarence Seedorf and Robert Pires, who both proved crucial to the success of Cirque FC.
Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc delighted fans by posing for pictures and taking selfies at the Stade Louis II. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger
Princess Stéphanie’s Cirque FC took an early lead against the home side thanks to goals from Youri Djorkaeff and Clarence Seedorf. Robert Pires furthered their advantage, bringing the score to 3-0, after Gaël Givet committed a foul in the penalty box. Prince Albert, who was joined on the sidelines by Princess Charlene, jokingly shouted for VAR, but there was none available.
As the players returned from the changing rooms after halftime, it was clear that the determination was still there for the reinvigorated Barbagiuans. The scores climbed to 3-1 when Javier Ernesto Chevanton put the ball into Cirque FC’s net. Then he scored again, but his goal was disallowed, despite “friendly protests from the sovereign”.
Before the game was up, the Uruguayan forward got another goal under his belt, taking the final tally to 3-2.
Sébastien Frey, the captain of Cirque FC, commented on the victory, saying, “I’m delighted to have won the Fight Aids Cup for the third time… Once again this year, we were able to raise substantial funds for Fight AIDS Monaco.”
Ducruet, meanwhile, had some words to share on the spirit and success of the event.
“This fourth edition has lived up to all its promises. I’m proud to see the Fight AIDS Cup evolve, always with the presence and support of football legends,” he said. “The idea is to put the spotlight back on the charity, and once again we’ve done just that. I know that the funds raised will be put to good use and I’m delighted to be contributing to the development and sustainability of Fight AIDS Monaco through the organisation of this event. I would have liked to keep the title for another year, but that’s the way it is. I saw that the participants enjoyed themselves, as did the public, and that’s what really counts. I congratulate Cirque FC and we’ll be back next year for a sporting result that I hope will be in Barbagiuans’ favour.”
The total amount raised by the event is yet to be confirmed, but the 2023 edition generated an impressive €180,000, which was given to Fight AIDS Monaco to support its charity projects and campaigns here in both the Principality and abroad.
