Growing pressure is too much for Le Graet at FFF, Diallo takes over as interim president

Noël Le Graët

By Andrew Warshaw

February 28 -Embattled French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet finally fell on his sword today as he resigned following accusations of sexual and psychological harassment, bringing to an end an 11-year spell in charge for one of European football’s most controversial veteran administrators.

His resignation from running one of Europe’s big five footballing nations comes 13 days after the publication of a damning report into practices at the FFF which had been commissioned by the French sports ministry.

“Considering his conduct towards women, his public comments and the governance failings of the FFF, Mr Le Graet no longer has the necessary legitimacy to run and represent French football,” the report said

Ironically the 81-year-old’s time at the helm had coincided with the revival of the French men’s national team on the field, with their victory at the 2018 World Cup followed by last year’s defeat in the final in Qatar, when they lost on penalties to Argentina.

Le Graet had already stepped aside temporarily in January pending the outcome of the legal investigation, which concluded that he should not return to the role because his “behavioural excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions.”

It was then revealed last month that Le Graet, whose mandate was due to run until 2024, was being investigated for sexual and inappropriate behaviour following allegations made by a female football agent, which he denied

Added to that, he was already under mounting pressure after making dismissive remarks in a radio interview in early January about France legend Zinedine Zidane’s potential interest in coaching the national team.

“Noel Le Graët announced… to the Executive Committee of the French Football Federation his decision to step down from his position,” the FFF said in a statement following an urgent meeting.

“Philippe Diallo, vice-president, will act as interim president of the FFF until June 10, 2023, the date of the next federal assembly.”

The fallout from Le Graet’s resignation will immediately focus on his position as a member of the all-powerful FIFA Council where he is up for re-election in April, having held the post since being appointed by UEFA in May 2019 as its representative, a position that pays $250,000 annually.

Le Graët succeeded Germany’s Rainer Grindel who was forced to resign after ironically also being involved in a domestic scandal.

The veteran Frenchman now seems likely to suffer the same fate at FIFA’s top table. He is being challenged for the Council seat by Portuguese FA president Fernando Gomes when UEFA member nations meet in Lisbon ahead of the FIFA Congress in early April.

Crucially Le Graet’s candidacy would have to pass a FIFA-run eligibility and integrity check but it remains to be seen whether he even gets that far.

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