Noel Le Graet, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), resigned on Tuesday following allegations of sexual and psychological harassment, marking the end of his more than a decade-long tenure. The 81-year-old’s resignation came just 13 days after a critical report on management practices at the FFF was published. Despite stepping down, reports indicate that Le Graet will continue to work for FIFA at their newly opened office in Paris.
During his time at the FFF, Le Graet oversaw a resurgence of the French men’s national team, highlighted by their victory at the 2018 World Cup and a subsequent run to the final in Qatar last year, where they were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout. However, his downfall became unavoidable following the sports ministry’s report, which harshly criticized his conduct. The report stated, “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.”
Le Graet had previously agreed to step down in January pending the outcome of an audit, which ultimately concluded that his “behavioral excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions.” Last month, it was revealed that he was under investigation for sexual and psychological harassment following allegations from football agent Sonia Souid. His situation worsened after he made dismissive comments about Zinedine Zidane’s potential interest in coaching the national team, especially after Didier Deschamps had his contract extended until 2026. In a radio interview, Le Graet remarked, “I wouldn’t even have taken his call,” when asked about Zidane.
Le Graet announced his resignation during an executive committee meeting of the FFF, where it was confirmed that Philippe Diallo would serve as interim president. Diallo, who is a vice-president of the federation, had temporarily filled in for Le Graet since January and is expected to remain in charge until a permanent successor is elected in June. France’s Sports Minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, stated that Le Graet’s departure was “the right decision for the FFF and for him.” However, the federation defended its outgoing president, acknowledging his significant contributions while criticizing the audit’s authors. The FFF stated, “The report does not mention any systematic failing,” and noted that it was based more on subjective comments than on objective facts.
On Tuesday evening, it was reported that Le Graet plans to take legal action to have the report “cancelled” and intends to sue Oudea-Castera for libel, according to his lawyer, Thierry Marembert. Le Graet had been appointed by FIFA in January last year as the Paris delegate to Gianni Infantino, the president of the world governing body, and is expected to retain this position. FFF committee member Eric Borghini remarked, “He is going to run the office in Paris. He was given the job because of his competence, his expertise, and his experience.”
Le Graet became president of the FFF in 2011, during a tumultuous period for French football following the national team’s poor performance at the 2010 World Cup, which included a player strike. He oversaw the appointment of Didier Deschamps as coach in 2012, leading to France reaching the Euro 2016 final and achieving back-to-back World Cup final appearances. He also managed France’s successful hosting of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Despite this, Le Graet’s departure coincides with a growing crisis within the France women’s team, as several star players, including captain Wendie Renard, announced they would no longer play for the national team under the current management, just five months before the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. This situation has put the future of coach Corinne Diacre, who had Le Graet’s support, in jeopardy. Interim chief Diallo stated that a decision regarding Diacre’s future would be made “very soon.”
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