Noel le Graet, president of the French Football Federation, has resigned in the aftermath of a damning report into the organization and allegations of sexual harassment.
The 81-year-old stepped down in January to allow the French government to conduct an audit of the federation.
“Considering his behavior toward women, public comments, and the FFF’s governance failings, Mr Le Graet no longer has the necessary legitimacy to run and represent French football,” the report concluded earlier this month.
It also said Le Graet, who has always denied any wrongdoing, should not return to his role because his “behavioural excesses are incompatible with the carrying out of his functions”.
Several FFF members have stated that Le Graet will continue to work for world governing body Fifa.
He was appointed as Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s delegate in Fifa’s new Paris office in January 2022.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said that Infantino had “seized the opportunity to use Noel’s capabilities”, adding “if that means indirectly that it comes at a good time for Noel, it’s a good thing”.
Le Graet, who has been in office for 11 years and has a mandate until 2024, has previously faced sexual harassment allegations, which he denies.
There were also calls for him to resign following comments he made about Zinedine Zidane, the former France player who led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.
Le Graet stated that he would not accept Zidane’s offer to coach France until he apologized for his “clumsy” remarks.
The French government launched the audit in October after learning of sexual harassment and bullying allegations at the FFF, which the FFF has denied.
Announcing his resignation on Tuesday, the FFF said it “recognises the remarkable sporting and economic performance of Noel le Graet”.
Regarding the audit, it continued, “The FFF notes that the report is based less on objective facts than on comments that have sometimes led to exaggerated bad-mouthing of the body.”
Le Graet took over in 2011, and the men’s national team won the 2018 World Cup after finishing second in Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
Before stepping down earlier this year, Le Graet extended Didier Deschamps’ contract as national team manager until 2026.