adminFRENCH Football Federation president Noel le Graet, who guided his country to World Cup success in Russia in 2018 and the runners-up spot last year, has resigned following a damning report into the organisation and accusations of sexual harassment.
The 81-year-old quit after the French government carried out an investigation into the federation. FIFA, somehow, did not consider this as “government interference.”
“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,” the report concluded.
It also said Le Graet, who has always denied any wrongdoing, should not return to his role because his “behavioural excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions”.
Le Graet, who was in office for 11 years and had a mandate until 2024, has previously faced claims of sexual harassment, which he denies.
The French government began the investigations in October after being made aware of sexual harassment and bullying allegations at the organisation.
Announcing his resignation on Tuesday, the FFF said it “recognises the remarkable sporting and economic performance of Noel le Graet”.
Referring to the Sports Ministry’s investigations, “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. – Agencies.
FORMER ZIFA president Felton Kamambo is still fighting to return as the association’s boss – 16 months after the whip was cracked by the Sports Commission.
Kamambo and his board were suspended on November 16, 2021.
The SRC said leadership was guilty of “mismanagement and lack of accountability in the use of public funds, with specific reference to the letter issued to ZIFA on the 3rd of July 2019 where ZIFA was asked to account fully for the use of public funds in the aftermath of the 2019 AFCON campaign.”
The sports regulator added:
“The SRC is also in receipt of a report of alleged sexual harassment of female referees by key technical staff within ZIFA.
“Despite several requests for the matter to be decisively dealt with, ZIFA did not give the matter adequate attention in view of its gravity.
“Whereas the nation has made significant strides in empowering the girl child to be an active participant in sports, incidences of sexual harassment should be conclusively dealt with to enable a conducive environment for participation by all.”
FIFA have since slapped Obert Zhoya, who was the referees chief during the period Kamambo was in charge, with a five-year ban for sexual harassment of the female referees.
Zhoya and Kamambo work for the same organisation.
The ZIFA Assembly then met and revoked the mandate of Kamambo and his board.
A forensic audit commissioned by the SRC revealed questionable financial transactions.
FIFA suspended Zimbabwe from international football until Kamambo and his team were reinstated.
Online Reporter