11/11/2023–|Last Updated: 11/11/202317:42 (Mecca)
French broadcaster BFM announced on Wednesday – citing unnamed sources – that the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, has been suspended from performing his duties and has appointed his deputy, Diallo, to temporarily run the affairs of the federation.
He added that the decision came after an urgent meeting of the French Federation’s Executive Committee.
Le Graet, 81, has been heavily criticized over allegations of sexual harassment, which the French official denied, as well as his statements against Zinedine Zidane – the French football icon – which have upset players and politicians.
Yesterday, Tuesday, the head of the French Federation’s Ethics Committee, Patrick Anton, called on Le Graet to step down from his post, despite his recent apology to French legend Zidane.
Zidane was one of the leading candidates to take over the French national team if Didier Deschamps left, but Deschamps’ contract was extended after he led the national team to the World Cup final before losing to Argentina in the final last December.
Responding to the question of whether Zidane – who won the World Cup with France in 1998 – will now coach the Brazilian national team instead of the French one, Le Graet said: “I don’t care, he can go wherever he wants.”
Anton told French sports newspaper L’Equipe: “Le Graet has made statements showing he has lost some of his grace. He looks tired and needs rest.”
He added: “We need strong and calm leadership, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. Throughout the season, we have to apply the rules of ethics to leaders, especially the heads of regions and competitions, and refer cases to disciplinary committees.” appropriate, if they cross the line.
And Anton continued: “As regards the president of the federation, it is clear that we do not intend to refer the matter to a disciplinary committee, but we can only ask him to resign, in the interests of football.”
Earlier, France striker Kylian Mbappé expressed his dissatisfaction with Le Graet’s statements, tweeting: “Zidane is France. We don’t underestimate our respect for the legend like this.”
French sports minister Amelie Audia-Castierra was among several politicians to respond to Le Graet’s comments, saying “the president of the country’s largest sports federation has crossed the line”.
