investigation-pointed-to-“sexist-and-violent-atmosphere”-in-the-french-football-federation

The provisional report from an official body on the management of the French Football Federation (FFF) denounces a “sexist and violent environment”, “dysfunctions” internally and a president “who allowed the situation to deteriorate”.

The document, delivered this Monday to the federation leaders but leaked by the French media, questions not only the section president of the FFF, Noël Le Graët, but also the general director, Florence Hardouin, in the position since 2013.

“Le Graët no longer has the necessary legitimacy to manage and represent French football,” he says.

The report from the General Inspectorate of Education, Sports and Research (IGESR) had been requested by the Ministry of Sports in light of the cascade of information about the internal malfunctioning of the Federation and, especially, the complaints against Le Graët for harassment presented by various FFF workers or women who work in the world of football.

The text points out “a problematic attitude of Le Graët towards women that can be described as, at least, sexist”.

Le Graët, 81 years old and in office since June 2011, was removed from the presidency of the federation on January 11.

However, the report also highlights that the Le Graët-Hardouin duo managed to “indisputably straighten the federation financially and sportingly”, thanks among other reasons to the increase in income from television broadcasting rights, the report adds.

The FFF said in a statement that the interim president, Philippe Diallo, received the interim report and that he will not announce conclusions or measures until he receives the final text.

By Scribe