Noel Le Graet is set to resign as president of the FFF
Noel Le Graet, president of the France Football Federation, is reportedly set to resign after a government-ordered audit found numerous instances of inappropriate behaviour and suggested criminal prosecution of the 81-year-old.
Zidane comments sparked investigation into Le Graet
Le Graet’s problems started when he made unsavoury comments about France legend Zinedine Zidane early in the year. In January, Le Graet said he would not even pick up Zidane’s call if the ex-Real Madrid manager called him.
After the comments about Zidane and the backlash it received, an investigation was opened into Le Graet’s behaviour in his time as FFF president, and he was subsequently accused of bullying and sexual harassment by some of his female colleagues in the federation.
Le Graet has been president of FFF since 2011, but recently had to take a step back from his management duties while the accusations against him were being investigated.
Le Graet to resign despite feelings of innocence
Now that the investigation is over and recommendations have been made, Le Graet is reported to be ready to resign at the next FFF meeting scheduled for Tuesday this week.
Le Graet maintains his innocence despite the slew of evidence and testimony that has been uncovered by the case, including the testimony of his lewd behaviour towards female employees of the FFF, especially while inebriated.
He claims that his decision to resign is born out of a desire to keep his legacy at the FFF intact in the face of the numerous allegations against him.
It is expected that Le Graet’s resignation will spark mass resignations in the FFF set-up, as one of his trusted associates, Florence Hardoui, has already been earmarked for the ax.
Related content
12:30 - 27.01.2023
Suspended FFF President fingered in sexual misconduct allegations
Le Graet's troubles started with his comments about Zidane and now he has been fingered in allegations of sexual misconduct by a female colleague
14:00 - 12.01.2023
France Football president agrees to suspension after Zidane remarks
After mounting pressure, the decision was taken by the executive committee of the France Football Federation
11:58 - 09.01.2023
Real Madrid release statement condemning France Football President's comments on Zidane and Benzema
After the President's comments on Zidane and Benzema, Real Madrid sent out a statement widely condemning Le Graet's words about the club's legends
13:17 - 09.01.2023
Mbappe hits out at French President’s comments against Zidane
Kylian Mbappe has spoken out against France Football Federation's President Le Graet who made some unsavoury comments about France legend Zinedine Zidane
19:05 - 24.02.2023
FIFA WWC Two more players join Wendie Renard in quitting the French national team
PSG's Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani have asked not to be selected for the France Women's national team