Antoine Dalla Cieca has passed away

He was 90 years old on November 15. Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, he played in Champigny and then in Le Perreux, before joining CA Montreuil. An attacking midfielder, he then played for RC Paris, Olympique Lyonnais, Rouen, Angers and Red Star, where he ended his professional career in 1966. During this period he was called up to the French national team (B and substitute with the senior team).

In 1966 he began a coaching career with Chartres, before returning to Roger Zeppelini’s CA Montreuil and the legendary Déjerine stadium at the Porte de Montreuil.

Following the split between Paris FC and Paris SGFC in May 1972, CAM, which had just won the Paris Champion title (DH), contributed its reserve and youth teams to the new structure, as required by the regulations, and became PFC in June 1972.

In the 1st Division (L1), Paris FC had a catastrophic first half of the season. In December, the coach Louis Hon was dismissed. “Tchouki” Djorkaeff, the team’s captain, took over for a short time before handing over to Antoine Dalla Cieca at the beginning of 1973. Paris FC finished 12th in the championship. The following season, PFC did not manage to keep its place among the elite. The club even lost its professional status and went back to D2 (L2), to Déjerine, under the amateur status with the backbone of its reserve team which evolved in D3 (National). Still coach, Antoine Dalla Cieca will manage to maintain the team in D2, despite the numerous difficulties (staff, grounds). He left Montreuil and his friend Roger Zeppelini’s Paris FC in December 1975 to join Red Star as sporting director.

In recent years, despite his retirement, Antoine Dalla Cieca had not left the football world. He continued to contribute his know-how to amateur football. He was also Honorary Vice-President of the Val de Marne District.

Paris FC sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Rédacteur Philippe Descottes