Le Graet resigns as FFF president after allegations of sexual harassment
The French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has resigned from his post after harassment accusations.
The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that Noel Le Graet has resigned as president. The decision was made after an executive committee meeting following recent allegations of moral and sexual harassment.
The FFF said in a statement:
"Noel Le Graet announced this Tuesday, February 28 to the executive committee of the French Football Federation his decision to leave office.
"Philippe Diallo, vice-president, will act as interim president of the FFF until June 10, 2023, the date of the next federal assembly.
“Regarding the audit of the General Inspectorate for Education, Sport and Research (IGESR), the FFF notes that this report does not mention any systemic failure, nor any breach of its sovereign missions. The FFF nevertheless notes that this report is based less on objective facts than on assessments which have sometimes led to a disproportionate denigration of the body.”
Agent Sonia Souid recently accused Le Graet of sexual harassment. In an RMC interview, Souid claimed that from 2013 to 2017, Le Graet saw her as an object of his sexual desire and harassed her.
So Foot magazine also published several allegations against Le Graet by female employees. The FFF filed a defamation suit against the magazine.
French prosecutors confirmed in January that an investigation into Le Great conduct has been opened, but he has denied all accusations against him.
Le Graet also caused controversy in January with his comments about Zinedine Zidane's potential interest in coaching the France national team, and was forced to apologise.
The 81-year-old Le Graet was the leader of the French Football Federation for almost 12 years. France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals during his time.
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