FRENCH FA CHIEF LE GRAET ‘NO LONGER HAS LEGITIMACY’ TO STAY IN POST- REPORT

According to a report into governance issues at the organization seen by AFP on Monday, Noel Le Graet, the scandal-plagued head of the French Football Federation under investigation for sexual harassment, “no longer has the required legitimacy to administer and represent French football.”

Following accusations against the 81-year-old Le Graet, who was forced to resign earlier this month until its conclusion, the French Ministry of Sports requested an audit of the FFF. The report is the result of that audit.

Le Graet “no longer has the required credibility to administer and represent French football,” the investigation stated, adding that the FFF’s handling of cases of sexist and sexual violence was “neither effective nor efficient.” The report also criticized Le Graet’s treatment of women and his public comments.

The Paris prosecutor’s office is now looking into allegations of sexual and psychological abuse made against Le Graet by football agent Sonia Souid.

According to the investigation, his behavior was “likely to be recognized as criminal,” and his attitude toward women “may be described at the very least as sexist.”

He claims he did nothing wrong.

Le Graet is still formally recognized as president by FIFA despite having resigned and being temporarily succeeded by vice-president Philippe Diallo.

The director general of the organization, Florence Hardouin, who has also been suspended from her position, was also the object of the report’s criticism for her “brutal” management style.

The directors of the FFF have till February 13 to comment on the report’s findings.

Le Graet’s term as president of the organization expires in 2024, however the executive committee of the organization has the authority to call a special general assembly and ask members to vote to remove Le Graet from office.

Less than a month after reaching the World Cup final in Qatar and narrowly missing out on maintaining their title to Argentina by one point on penalties, France has been dogged by the scandal.

Le Graet, the FFF’s president since 2011, had already come under pressure to step down after making disparaging comments in a recent radio interview about Zinedine Zidane’s prospective interest in leading the national team. This included calls from Amelie Oudea-Castera, the minister of sports.

Didier Deschamps, who has been the head coach since 2012, has extended his contract to keep working until 2026.