France football Federation president resigns amid scandals
The president of the France Football Federation (FFF) Noel Le Graet has resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct and a damning audit commissioned by the country’s sports ministry.
Le Graet, the head of the FFF since 2011, had taken a step back amid a legal investigation into alleged sexual and morale harassment.
Earlier this month, the audit concluded that the 81-year-old Le Graet no longer had “the necessary legitimacy” to administer and represent the sport in France and “highlighted the inappropriate behaviour of Mr Le Graet towards women”. Earlier this year, Le Graet denied allegations of sexual misconduct.
Le Graet, whose mandate was due to end in 2024, had also come under fire for extending the contract of men’s coach Didier Deschamps until 2026 and for derogatory comments aimed at France great Zinedine Zidane.
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The French women’s team coach, Corinne Diacre, has also been under pressure. Team captain Wendie Renard said last week she would not play at this year’s Women’s World Cup and according to a report in French multimedia outlet RMC Sport, the defender said she will not play for the national side as long as Diacre remains in charge.
Fellow internationals Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani also said they were taking a step back from the national team.
Le Graet’s current vice-president Philippe Diallo now becomes interim president until June 10, when the next FFF assembly will take place.