The president of the French Football Federation (FFF) is to be investigated after allegations of “sexual and moral harassment” had been made towards him.
The Paris prosecutor’s workplace stated on Tuesday it had opened an investigation for ethical and sexual harassment towards Noel Le Graet, 81.
“In response to a report from the IGESR (General Inspection of Education, Sport and Research) on 13 January 2023, an investigation was opened yesterday into charges of moral harassment and sexual harassment,” the prosecutor’s workplace instructed Reuters.
The investigation might be carried out by a particular police unit devoted to crimes towards people.
Le Graet, who has beforehand denied allegations of sexual harassment throughout an audit commissioned by the sports activities ministry, final week “took a step back” from his duties.
French media, citing an announcement despatched to information company AFP by Le Graet’s legal professionals, reported he denied any wrongdoing.
It comes after Sonia Souid, a 37-year-old sports activities agent, accused Le Graet of improper conduct, saying in an interview with L’Equipe sports activities each day that he repeatedly tried to method her from 2013-17.
Last September, the sports activities ministry ordered an audit of the federation after the FFF stated it could file a defamation lawsuit towards So Foot journal, which reported that Le Graet allegedly harassed a number of feminine staff.
The FFF vice chairman, Philippe Diallo, will substitute Le Graet till the audit delivers its findings.
The probe may reportedly conclude by the top of January.
Probe follows Le Graet’s ‘disrespect’ to Zidane
Le Graet was lately criticised over his feedback about Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 French World Cup winner and former Real Madrid head coach.
He stated he would not decide up the cellphone if Zidane known as him about managing the France nationwide staff.
Le Graet confronted backlash from World Cup finalist Kylian Mbappe, who tweeted: “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect a legend like that.”
He apologised for his feedback.
Source: information.sky.com”
