The French Football Federation (FFF)President Nöel Le Gräet is to leave his position after a backlash regarding his comments during Didier Deschamps's contract extension as the national team's coach.
Noel Le Graet indicated that he would not pick up the phone if Zinedine Zidane tried to call him, a position people regarded as unacceptable.
On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, the French Ministry of Sports held an extraordinary meeting after receiving an analysis from the French Federation Executive Committee ("Comex").
Also Read: Zidane Turns Down National Team Job
Prior to the meeting France’s minister of sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra asked the axed president to apologise for his remarks noting that they were shameful and depicted a lack of respect for a legend.
However, Nöel Le Gräet's apology for his comments which he regarded as clumsy was too late to overturn the Comex's decision.
"I would like to personally apologize for these comments, which in no way reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become," he stated.
Le Gräet equally attracted criticism from other football stars including Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe called out Noel Le Gräet noting that Zidane is a representation of the country and should not be disrespected.
Earlier on Monday, January 9, Real Madrid released an official statement on their website to show their support towards Zidane after the news about Le Graet's remarks broke.
"Real Madrid laments the unfortunate comments made by the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, regarding Zinedine Zidane, one of the world's biggest sporting legends," the statement started.
Zidane was among those eyeing the French national team's managerial job before the federation decided to extend Deschamps' contract.
Deschamps will continue his role as the head of the French team until June 2026.
Also Read: Mbappe Condemns FFF President for Disrespecting Zidane