Noel le Graet, president of the French Football Association, has resigned in the wake of a devastating report on the group and allegations of sexual harassment.
In January, the 81-year-old retired as the French government conducted an audit of the federation.
The report’s conclusion was made public when it was released earlier this month. “Considering his conduct toward women, his public comments, and the governance inadequacies of the FFF, Mr. Le Graet no longer has the required legitimacy to administer and represent French football,” it said.
Le Graet, who has always maintained his innocence, was also told he should not take up the position again because of his “behavioral excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his tasks.”
Le Graet will continue to serve as a representative of Fifa, according to several FFF members.
He was chosen to represent Fifa president Gianni Infantino in the organization’s new Paris office in January 2022.
Infantino had “seized the opportunity to utilise Noel’s qualities,” Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said, adding that “if that means indirectly that it comes at a good time for Noel, it’s a wonderful thing.”
Le Graet has previously been accused of sexual harassment, which he denies. He served in government for 11 years and had a mandate that lasts until 2024.
As a result of his remarks on Zinedine Zidane, who led Real Madrid to three straight Champions League victories and won the World Cup and the Euros while playing for France, there were also calls for him to resign.
Le Graet then apologized for his “clumsy” remarks and stated that he would not accept a call from Zidane regarding the position of France coach.
