Scandal-hit French football chief Noel Le Graet quits

PARIS: French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet resigned on Tuesday following accusations of sexual and psychological harassment, bringing to an end more than a decade in charge.

The 81-year-old’s time at the helm had coincided with the revival of the French men’s national team as a force, with their victory at the 2018 World Cup followed by a run to last year’s final in Qatar, which they lost on penalties to Argentina.

But Le Graet’s resignation comes 13 days after the publication of a damning report into management practices at the Paris-based FFF which had been commissioned by the French sports ministry.

“Considering his conduct towards women, his public comments and the governance failings of the FFF, Mr Le Graet no longer has the necessary legitimacy to run and represent French football,” the report said.

Le Graet had already agreed in January to step down pending the outcome of the audit, which concluded that he should not return to the role because his “behavioural excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions”.

It was revealed last month that Le Graet, whose mandate was due to run until 2024, was being investigated for sexual and psychological harassment following allegations made by a female football agent, Sonia Souid.

He was already under pressure after making dismissive remarks in a radio interview in early January about France legend Zinedine Zidane’s potential interest in coaching the national team.

That was after long-serving coach Didier Deschamps had his contract extended until 2026.

“I wouldn’t even have taken his call,” Le Graet told RMC radio when asked about Zidane.

Le Graet announced his departure at an executive committee meeting of the federation on Tuesday, with members of the committee telling AFP that Philippe Diallo would remain in the role of interim president.

Diallo, a federation vice-president who had initially moved up to fill in for Le Graet when he first stepped aside in January, is expected to remain in charge at least until a permanent successor is voted for in June.

“The FFF recognises the remarkable sporting and economic performance of Noel Le Graet,” the federation said in a statement, before hitting out at the authors of the audit.

“The report does not mention any systematic failing,” it added. “The FFF nevertheless notes that the report is based less on objective facts than on comments that have sometimes led to exaggerated bad-mouthing of the body.”

Le Graet, a former socialist mayor of the small Brittany town of Guingamp, oversaw the rise of the local football team that became a top-flight force during his time as club president.

He then became president of the FFF in 2011, at a time when the French game was reeling in the wake of the national team’s disastrous showing at the 2010 World Cup, when the players went on strike.

Le Graet oversaw the appointment of Deschamps as coach in 2012, and France reached the Euro 2016 final as hosts before their back-to-back World Cup final appearances.

He also oversaw France’s successful hosting of the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

“He is a great leader. This federation is one of the best-run federations,” insisted the veteran Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, an influential member of the FFF executive committee, on Tuesday.

However, Le Graet’s departure also comes amid a deepening crisis within the France women’s team.