FRANCE
After Zidane controversy, accusation of sexual harassment against Le Graët
Player agent Sonia Souid has accused the French Football Federation president of misconduct and thinks he should resign.
Problems are piling up for Noël Le Graët. After receiving a wave of criticism for his disrespectful statements about Zinedine Zidane, even involving the Minister of Sports, Oudéa-Castera, the president of the French Football Federation was accused of sexual harassment by Sonia Souid, a football agent, reported in L’Équipe in which she targets the veteran leader for his attitudes.
It’s not looking great for Le Graët
In it, Souid talks about the relationship between them from 2013 to 2017. Le Graët had hired her for, in the words of the president, “being brilliant” at her job, but as the months passed, the tone of the conversation increased in temperature. According to the agent, who resigned soon after learning of his intentions, Le Graët made her understand that “ending up in his bed would be a great idea.”
“During this meeting, he told me clearly that if we were closer, my ideas would materialise,” Souid explained. “Either way, he would be much more motivated to help me in this meaning.
“This was a big slap in the face, because I have the president of the French Football Federation who sees me.... although I feel competent and legitimate because I have managed to do things even through difficulty, excuse me for the phrase, but my president sees me as two tits and an ass.
“I was disappointed by my president. For me, my president must be exemplary. And he was not.”
Asked whether she thought now was the time for him to resign, Souid was clear.
“I don’t think he’s brave enough to resign. Do I think he can stay at the helm of the FFF? Yes, he can. But should he? No. I honestly think he’s had his time.”
Le Graët has previous
These serious accusations are not the first that have been produced against him. Months ago, So Foot launched an investigation over harassment by Le Graët in the French Football Federation, to such an extent that the Ministry of Sports began an internal audit on Tuesday to clarify the facts. The president, for his part, denied any truth behind it. However, his statements about Zidane have generated an internal crisis that, for the moment, seems irremediable.
The Executive Committee of the Federation, the “Comitex”, has even suggested that the Le Graët’s exit could be a good idea to calm the waters. According to RMC Sport, the main presidents of the French district leagues will meet to discuss the president’s attitude in recent days. His term, which expires in 2024, could come to an end sooner than expected.