Noel le Graet, the president of the French Football Federation, has stepped down from his position following an investigation into the organization’s governance and accusations of sexual harassment. The French government conducted an audit into the federation, and the report concluded that Le Graet’s conduct towards women, his public comments, and the governance failings of the FFF rendered him unfit to run and represent French football.
While denying wrongdoing, Le Graet was advised not to return to his role due to his incompatible behavioral excesses. Some members of the FFF have stated that Le Graet will continue his role with the world governing body Fifa, as he was appointed as the delegate for Fifa president Gianni Infantino in the organization’s new office in Paris in January 2022.
Le Graet’s resignation has come after the captain of the women’s team Wendie Renard and two other players criticized the country’s football “system.” Vice-president Philippe Diallo will take on the role of interim president until a permanent successor is chosen in June.