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The President of France Football Federation (FFF) Noel Le Graet has resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct and a damning audit commissioned by the country’s sports ministry.
Le Graet, who has been the head of FFF since 2011, had taken a step back amid legal investigation into alleged sexual and morale harassment.
Earlier this month, the audit concluded that the 81-year-old Le Graet no longer had “the necessary legitimacy” to administer and represent the sport in France and “highlighted the inappropriate behaviour of Mr Le Graet towards women”.
But Le Graet denied allegations of sexual misconduct earlier this month.
The FFF President whose mandate was due to end in 2024, had also come under fire for extending the contract of men’s coach Didier Deschamps until 2026 and for derogatory comments aimed at France great Zinedine Zidane.
At this point Le Graet’s current vice-president Philippe Diallo will now become interim president until June 10, when the next FFF assembly will take place.
A statement from the federation on Tuesday read: “Regarding the audit, the FFF notes that this report does not mention any systemic failure nor any breach of its duty to govern.
“The FFF therefore wishes to reaffirm its strong commitment against gender-based and sexual violence as part of its license protection policy. This commitment was and remains a priority.
Writing by Tersoo Nicholas