The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on September 15 in a press release that it had decided to file “ a defamation suit » against the magazine SoFootwhich notably published in its edition of September 8 alleged testimonies of sexual harassment.
After several days of silence, the French Football Federation (FFF) has announced that it is suing the magazine for defamation SoFoot following his revelations about the internal dysfunctions of the institution. The FFF, led since 2011 by Noël Le Graët, finds itself in turmoil at a delicate moment, as the World Cup in Qatar is fast approaching and Didier Deschamps, the coach of the France team, announced a few hours the list of players summoned for the last gathering of the Blues before this crucial deadline.
According to a source interviewed by the magazine SoFoot, several women have reportedly resigned from the body in recent years due to recurrent sexual and moral harassment. In its issue of September 8, the newspaper revealed in particular anonymous testimonies, including three extracts from undated SMS which would have been recipients of current or past collaborators of the Federation and which would have been sent by its president, Noël Le Graët.
In addition to the accusations against the president of the body, it is also the internal management of the FFF and the conflicts around the general manager Florence Hardouin which are pointed out by the magazine.
Noël Le Graët brushes aside resignation rumors
The decision to sue for defamation against SoFoot was taken following a meeting of the FFF’s executive committee, during which the subject was discussed. Until then silent, the body has nevertheless not indicated against which specific elements of the investigation it has decided to file a complaint.
At the center of the revelations, and despite rumors circulating about his possible departure at the end of the 2022 World Cup, Noël Le Graët for his part declared in an interview with The Team do not have ” no intention of stopping “. ” I have the clear, distinct and precise intention to complete my mandate, until 2024. “Explained the 80-year-old Breton leader, re-elected in 2021 at the head of the body.
Didier Deschamps, questioned during the press conference following the announcement of the list of Blues, first chose not to comment on the accusations against its president. ” Downright ! You are not cold in the eyes “, he first replied to a journalist questioning him about a possible resignation of Noël Le Graët. Before confessing: It’s not the most peaceful climate I’ve known. »
(With AFP)