What should have been a landmark moment for women’s football in Monaco never made it to kick-off. The first-ever derby between two Monegasque sides — Monaco United Football Club and AS Monaco Féminin’s reserve team — was scheduled for Sunday, September 14, as part of the new season’s opening round. Instead, the match ended before it began, with AS Monaco Féminin withdrawing and conceding the points.
No explanation has yet been offered for the forfeit, which by regulation hands Monaco United a 3-0 victory and the first three points of their debut league campaign. The decision robs the Principality of what was expected to be a symbolic clash, with two local women’s teams finally meeting in an official competition. Supporters will now have to wait until May for the return fixture, when United host AS Monaco Féminin (2), in hopes the occasion will finally be realised on the pitch.
Keen to keep up match rhythm, United coach Marco Simone quickly arranged a replacement game. On Sunday morning his side travelled to Nice, where they faced Club des Moulins in a Division 5 friendly. Monaco United came away convincing winners, a result that eased the sting of an absent derby while providing valuable minutes for a youthful squad.
“It’s frustrating not to have played the derby, because it would have been a historic day for women’s football here,” admitted Simone afterwards. “But we adapted. The friendly gave us a chance to test different options, keep everyone in competitive conditions and continue building the team’s cohesion. It was an important step forward in our preparation.”
With a default victory already in hand, Monaco United begin their first-ever season at the top of the table. It may not have been the debut the players envisioned, but it marks a confident start to what they hope will be a defining year.
