Infantino stands by Le Graet after French FA president quits over sexual harassment claims
KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: ‘Innocent until proven guilty’ is the concept to which FIFA president Gianni Infantino is sticking as he reportedly plans to find a cosy role for the world federation for disgraced ex-French football supremo Noel Le Graet.
The 81-year-old angrily quit the leadership of the FFF after a damning inquiry and report by the French Sports Ministry into allegations of sexual harassment – including against his own ceo. Le Graet has denied all the complaints.
An assessment from the report said: “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 . . . [These] behavioural excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions.”
Le Graet has been proposed to continue as a European federation delegate for UEFA on the governing FIFA Council but whether he is even technically able to do this is in doubt after his appointment last month as a FIFA delegate in the body’s new office in Paris.
Le Graet has been no stranger to controversy during his 11 years in office. He faced down calls to quit last December over disparaging comments about Zinedine Zidane when questions arose about the contract renewal of national team coach Didier Deschamps. Later Le Graet apologised for his “clumsy remarks.”
Announcing his resignation, the FFF said it “recognises the remarkable sporting and economic performance of Noel le Graet.” But it added: “The FFF nevertheless notes that the report is based less on objective facts than on comments that have sometimes led to exaggerated bad-mouthing of the body.”
Vice-president Philippe Diallo will remain as interim president until June when a permanent successor will be chosen.
The Le Graet controversy is only one of the storms assailing the French federation after the captain of the women’s team, Wendie Renard, and two other players stated they would not play at the forthcoming Women’s World Cup in protest at the regime under the management of head coach Corinne Diacre.
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