The Audacious Heist of the 1979 Coupe de France by Lorraine Unionists

In a story that sounds like a movie script about a heist, the 1979 Coupe de France trophy was stolen not by experienced criminals but by determined union activists from northern Lorraine. This unusual event took place in August 1979, leaving the entire soccer world and the city of Nantes bewildered.

The Unbelievable Theft

The Canaries of Nantes had just celebrated a triumphant victory in the Coupe de France when a valuable trophy disappeared from the La Jonelière training center. Initially it was seen as a prank, but it soon became clear that the real culprits were CFDT militants from Lorraine. Their motive was far from malicious: they wanted to shed light on the plight of the steel industry in their region.

A Spectacle with a Cause

Describing their act as “borrowing” rather than stealing, the union activists sought to make a bold statement. They even documented their heist, posing with the trophy in exposed and disguised form to ensure their message reached the widest possible audience. “We were trying to invent spectacular things that would sway public opinion,” one of the activists, Robert Giovanardi, later recounted.

The Trophy’s Return

The unionists didn’t keep the trophy for long. Just a few days after the theft, they returned it to FCN, presenting a Longwy porcelain plate as an apology. The trophy was returned safe and sound, much to the relief of the club’s management and fans, and eventually returned to the French Football Federation.

The Continuing Curse

However, the saga did not end there. As fate would have it, a copy of the 1979 trophy later disappeared from La Jonelière and was never found.

“The last time [the replica] was seen was on the president’s desk,” shared Philippe Laurent, who is associated with FC Nantes.

The replica’s whereabouts remains a mystery, adding another layer to the already intriguing story of the 1979 Coupe de France.

This amazing event not only highlights a unique moment in sporting history, but also highlights the lengths people are willing to go to in order to bring attention to their plight, bringing together the world of sport and social activism in an unforgettable act.