Noël Le Graët apologizes after controversial remarks on Zidane, his future in suspense

The former mayor of Guingamp, usually not inclined to self-criticism, took the measure of the tsunami caused by his intervention by presenting his personal “apologies” to the former playmaker of the France team, as the had asked him on Sunday evening the Minister of Sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. ” I would like to apologize for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become. Zinédine Zidane knows the immense esteem I have for him, like all French people “, he said in a statement to AFP.

From Kylian Mbappé, who explained on Twitter that the “ we don’t disrespect the legend like that “, to Youri Djorkaeff, ex-teammate of Zidane in blue, evoking phrases” misplaced and unwelcome “, passing by Real Madrid, outraged “ unworthy “, Le Graët was unanimous against him.

What consequences can these statements have on the future of the leader, whose current mandate will end at the end of 2024? Technically, the political power does not have the possibility of dismissing the president of the FFF, which would also provoke the ire of the International Football Federation (Fifa) which prohibits any state intervention. But there is a feeling fed up “at the top of the State, we explain in the entourage of the President of the Republic, where we deplore” a feeling of accumulation ” of ” unacceptable words ».

The ball is on the side of the FFF and its executive committee, the only one authorized to push Le Graët towards the exit. A member of the Comex, who requested anonymity, believes that the leader’s situation will be untenable. “ There’s going to be a terrible tidal wave, he’s going to have to go. The Minister is right, it is completely above ground. It’s an uncontrolled communication, but when you are president of a sports federation, the largest in France, you control yourself “, explained this source.

With AFP