23 February 2002,
Six pelotaris of Ipar Euskal Herria who were in the election resigned from the French team. Ellande Alfaro, Mikel Funosas, Sandra Poxulu, Ramuntxo Bortairu and Inaki Iturbiswho announced that they would not attend the World Cup that was to be played in Pamplona. Another 50 pelotaris publicly manifested their intention to play with the Basque Country team and obtained the support of personalities from the world of the ball. On 17 March, the president of the International Football Federation resigned because the executive assembly did not want to discuss the issue of Basque selection.
Source:
Sabino Ormazabal, Objective Group Bidea, 500 non-violent actions. (Manu Robles Arangiz Foundation)