French football association president Noël Le Graët has announced his resignation after eleven years in office after allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. However, the 81-year-old remains an official: according to reports, he is now moving to the world football association at the request of Gianni Infantino.
French football association president Noël Le Graët has announced his resignation after eleven years in office after allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. This was confirmed by the FFF association. The 81-year-old Le Graët gave up his post at a board meeting on Tuesday, it said. Le Graët had temporarily vacated the post in January, and the Paris judiciary is investigating him for sexual harassment. Le Graët had been president since 2011, his fourth term actually ran until 2024. His successor until June will be the previous vice-president Philippe Diallo on an interim basis. France’s Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera welcomed Le Graët’s resignation as “the right decision”. The association must “learn the lessons of the last few months in order to emerge stronger in the service of French football”, said the minister.
Immediately after the resignation, it was announced that Le Graët should in future receive a managerial position at the world association Fifa. The broadcaster RMC Sport reported that Le Graët had been appointed by Fifa President Gianni Infantino. “He will lead the FIFA office in Paris. He was appointed for his skills, expertise and experience,” said FFF Executive Committee member Eric Borghini on Tuesday.
The Paris Ministry of Sport ruled two weeks ago that Le Graët no longer had the legitimacy to lead and represent French football for inappropriate behavior towards women. The 81-year-old, who rejects all allegations in the cause, had previously been controversial and slipped into several scandals. The 2018 world championship title also fell during Le Graët’s tenure.
At the meeting of the FFF association on Tuesday, the future of the controversial coach of the women’s national team, Corinne Diacre, was also discussed. Several players had recently announced their resignation from the national team, although the World Cup begins in five months. Diacre, 48, has been criticized for her leadership style and lack of success. The association has set up a working group to clarify the Personnel Diacre, which is to present results by March 9th.
