'National Hero' Zidane Ignored... Pressure Mounts for Resignation of French Football Association President

Le Graet, President of the French Football Federation, dismisses 'coach candidate' Zidane
Criticizes Mbappe, Macron, and Real Madrid... "Zidane is soon France"

The price of ignoring the 'French national hero' was high. No?l Le Gra?t (81), president of the French Football Federation (FFF), who made disparaging remarks about Zinedine Zidane (50), faced widespread criticism and bowed his head within a day.

According to AFP on the 9th (local time), Le Gra?t issued a statement saying that his comments about Zidane during a radio interview the previous day "were somewhat clumsy remarks that caused misunderstandings," and added, "I want to apologize to Zidane and the teams he coached for the remarks that did not reflect my true thoughts at all."

Noel Le Graet, President of the French Football Federation.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

The story behind Le Gra?t becoming a 'national traitor' is as follows. On the 8th, he announced the renewal of Didier Deschamps' (55) contract as head coach of the French national team until 2026. During an interview with 'RMC Sport,' he made disparaging remarks about Zidane, who was considered a strong candidate for the coaching position. When asked by the host whether he had received a call from Zidane, he said, "Even if his call came, I wouldn't have answered," and added, "What would I say to him? 'Hello, sir, don't worry. Look for another club. I just signed with Didier'?"

He also said, "I know Zidane has many supporters. Some were just waiting for Deschamps to leave. The news that Deschamps is leaving always attracts people's attention," and sarcastically asked, "Should we create a special program so that Zidane can find another national team or club?" Regarding reports that Zidane was interested in coaching the Brazil national team, he said, "It would be surprising if Zidane went there, but it doesn't matter," and added, "I have never met Zidane, and we have never considered parting ways with Deschamps."

His remarks triggered a strong backlash. Kylian Mbapp? (24, Paris Saint-Germain), who scored eight goals at the Qatar World Cup and led France to the runner-up position, tweeted, "Zidane is soon France. You should not disrespect a legend like that." Real Madrid, the prestigious Spanish football club where Zidane served as coach, also condemned Le Gra?t's remarks in a statement, saying, "It shows a lack of respect for one of the most respected figures among football fans worldwide."

On the 19th of last month (local time), Kylian Mbappe, who led France to the runner-up position in the Qatar World Cup, returned to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The French political sphere also reacted strongly. Am?lie Oud?a-Cast?ra, France's Minister of Sports, held a press conference and referred to Real Madrid's statement, pointing out that "Le Gra?t has tarnished the national image." She said at the event, "As president of the French Football Federation, he should not have spoken like that," and added, "I hope he apologizes for his excessive remarks about Zidane." She also conveyed that French President Emmanuel Macron expressed being "very disappointed" with the incident and said, "Like all of us, he was shocked."

This incident also sparked a wave of criticism regarding Le Gra?t's past conduct. It was pointed out that he had sent sexual text messages to female staff members at the federation and had repeatedly tarnished the honor of French football through secretive relations with Qatar. French parliamentarian Fabien Roussel criticized, "I don't know how much longer we have to endure insults to French football such as sexual harassment, financial fair play (FFP) regulation issues, and unconditional support for Qatar," and added, "Le Gra?t is a disgrace to French sports and must resign."