Noel Le Graet to ‘withdraw from duties’ as FFF president amid Zinedine Zidane controversy and pending investigation

Noel Le Graet is to “withdraw from his duties” at the France Football Federation amid a pending investigation and his controversial comments about Zinedine Zidane.

Back in October, the Ministry of Sports in France – part of the country’s government – began an investigation into the French Football Federation (FFF), of which Le Graet is president, after reports of sexual harassment and bullying.

In a statement, the FFF said: “Noel Le Graet, in agreement with the executive committee of the FFF meeting today in Paris, has chosen to withdraw from his duties as president of the Federation until the final communication of the audit carried out by the Ministry of Sports, and awaiting its analysis by the Comex (executive committee) of the FFF.

“The Comex of the FFF has also decided to lay off Florence Hardouin, general manager of the FFF, as a precautionary measure.

“As of today, Philippe Diallo, deputy vice-president of the FFF, will act as interim manager of these two functions.”

Among those to castigate Le Graet’s comments on Zidane was Kylian Mbappe, who said: “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that.”

Le Graet did release an apology thereafter.

“I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views nor my consideration for the player he [Zidane] was and the coach he has become,” he said.

“I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding.”

Deschamps has been handed a two-year extension with Les Bleus, while Zidane continues his hunt for a job having not worked since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as coach in May 2021.