OUSTED FRENCH FOOTBALL OFFICIAL WITHDRAWS FROM FIFA ELECTION

Noel Le Grat, the former president of the French Football Federation, formally withdrew from consideration for re-election to the FIFA Council on Monday, according to the European Football Association (UEFA).

Le Grat remained in the race for the $250,000-a-year job on April 5 despite growing disapproval of his management of French football in recent weeks. After a government assessment determined that the 81-year-old Le Grat no longer had legitimacy as a result of his behavior toward women and his managerial style, he eventually resigned last week.

Le Grat “decided to withdraw his candidature from the election” for a FIFA seat, which he held for four years, according to an updated candidate list issued by UEFA.

The French official appears to still be serving as a special delegate for FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the organization’s Paris satellite office despite his departure. At a press conference in London on Saturday, Infantino failed to respond to a question regarding Le Grat’s situation.

Eight of the 37 seats on the FIFA Council are chosen by UEFA. Due to Le Grat’s resignation, Fernando Gomes, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, will be elected at the organization’s annual meeting in Lisbon without a challenger.

Gomes is now beyond the age of 70 required by UEFA regulations in order to continue serving as one of its vice presidents, but there is no such restriction in place for European elections for FIFA positions.