The President of the French Football Association, Noël Le Graët, has resigned after allegations of sexual harassment. At a board meeting, the 81-year-old announced his resignation, said the Football Association (FFF) in Paris.
For the time being, Le Graët had already vacated his post on January 11th. The Paris judiciary is investigating him for sexual harassment. Le Graët has held the top office since 2011. His fourth term would actually not have ended until 2024.
Immediately after his resignation, it was announced that Le Graët would be given a new leadership role at FIFA, the world football association, as reported by RMC Sport. The president was appointed to the association by FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. “He will lead the Paris office. He was appointed for his skills, expertise and experience,” said FFF Executive Committee member Eric Borghini outside the federation’s headquarters.
Inadequate behaviour
A report by the Ministry of Sport recently concluded that Le Graët no longer had the legitimacy to manage and represent French football. He has inappropriate behavior towards women and has regularly sexually harassed them with words and text messages. Le Graët’s behavior lacked the decency and dignity that his office required and his gaffes, compounded by excessive alcohol consumption, damaged the image of the Football Association.
The Football Association itself said on Tuesday that this report was based less on objective facts and more on assessments that sometimes resulted in disproportionate slurs. The association also regretted that there had been no proper procedure and that numerous comments by the association on combating sexist and sexual violence had not been taken into account. The FFF is strongly committed to combating sexist and sexual violence.
