Le Graet overcomes critics to secure fourth term as French federation president

March 15 – French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet (pictured) was re-elected for a fourth term after an easy victory over his two opponents despite reports of a toxic culture at the governing body. 

In 2011, Le Great became the FFF chairman and this weekend saw off both Frederic Thiriez and Michel Moulin to continue in the role. Le Graet enjoyed the backing of Olympique Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, an influential figure in European football.

In the ballot at the federation’s general assembly, he emerged with 73.02% of the vote, with lawyer and former head of the French League (LFP) Thiriez garnering 25.11%. Moulin won just 1.87% of the vote.

Under Le Graet, France hosted Euro 2016, reaching the final against Portugal, and won the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but those sporting successes have not papered over the cracks in the FFF.

Anti-racism activists have accused Le Graet of not taking racism seriously enough. In September, the FFF president famously said: “This phenomenon of racism in sport, and in football in particular, does not exist at all or barely does.”

An external report also revealed that some FFF staff alleged bullying and harassment by senior administrative management.

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1711716524labto1711716524ofdlr1711716524owedi1711716524sni@o1711716524fni1711716524