It is the saga that has rocked French football, barely weeks after narrowly falling short of a third World Cup triumph, and has left French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet fighting for his job.
Zinedine Zidane was one of the favourites to take charge of France if Didier Deschamps had stepped down, but Deschamps’ contract was extended after he led the team to a second consecutive World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina in Qatar last month.
French Football Federation executive committee members have called for an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday which could end with Le Graet losing his job.
How has it come to this? Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol explains the fiasco that has engulfed Les Bleus since the turn of the year…
- Henry denies contacting Belgian FA over national team job
- Martinez announced as new Portugal coach
- Download the Sky Sports app | Get Sky Sports
Why is Le Graet in danger of losing his job?
Trending
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Mudryk, Fernandez latest
- Pep planning something ‘ridiculous’ for Man Utd | Is he overthinking?
- Chelsea sign Felix on loan from Atletico | Could forward make debut vs Fulham?
- Man Utd have deal in principle in place with Burnley for Weghorst
- Papers: Pochettino open to Chelsea job if Potter is sacked
- Ten Hag: I see a future in Pellistri
- Chelsea’s Pulisic facing months out | Potter ‘in regular dialogue’ with owners
- Jones Jr: I’m teaching Eubank to fight Canelo and GGG, not Smith!
- Playing RWB, hits the bar, dad watching… Romeo Beckham’s Brentford B debut
- The French football fiasco involving Zidane, Mbappe and Le Graet explained
- Video
- Latest News
Le Graet is at the centre of controversy after he said at the weekend that he would not pick up the phone if Zidane called him about the France job.
When asked whether Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a national icon, would now manage Brazil instead, Le Graet had told RMC: “I don’t give a damn, he can go wherever he wants.”
Also See:
On Sunday, Le Graet had said Zidane had plenty of support but stood no chance of replacing Deschamps.
“Who can make serious reproaches to Deschamps?” he said.
“Nobody. He [Zidane] does what he wants; it’s none of my business. I’ve never met him, we’ve never considered parting with Didier. He can go where he wants, to a club … If Zidane tried to contact me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even pick up the phone.”
How were Le Graet’s initial comments received?
Image: Kylian Mbappe has responded angrily to Le Graet's comments on social media
Very badly. Zidane is considered footballing royalty across the world having become the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row when he was in charge of Real Madrid.
The 50-year-old, who also won the 2000 European Championship with France in a glittering playing career, is without a job after he left his role with the Spanish club in 2021.
The star of the current France team Kylian Mbappe waded into the debate by taking to social media.
Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was one of the first to voice his disapproval after Le Graet’s comments were aired.
“Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that,” Mbappe said on Twitter.
How have Real Madrid responded?
Image: Zidane has been out of work since May 2021
A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF regrets the unfortunate statements made by the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, about Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest legends of world sport.”
Stating that Le Graet’s words demonstrate a lack of respect towards Zidane and what he means to the game, Real stated that they want the FFF president to rectify his statements.
“Zinedine Zidane, world champion and European champion defending his country’s jersey, among many other titles, represents the values of sport and has demonstrated this throughout his professional career as a player and as a coach.”
Image: Real Madrid have also criticised Le Graet over comments regarding Karim Benzema
Furthermore, Madrid also criticised Le Graet for previous comments on current Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema. In 2018 he suggested the striker’s time in the international set-up was over, saying he had been “in declining form for some time”.
The reigning Champions League holders said: “The statements by the president of the French Football Federation [regarding Zidane] are inappropriate for someone who holds that representation and disqualify themselves, like the ones he also makes about our captain Karim Benzema, current Ballon d’Or, champion of the Nations League with France in 2021 and winner of five Champions League, among many other titles.”
Who else has responded to Le Graet’s comments?
Image: Didier Deschamps has extended his stay as France boss having guided them to two World Cup finals
France’s minister for sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, was one of many politicians who reacted to Le Graet’s comments.
“Yet more out-of-touch comments and on top of that a shameful lack of respect, which hurts us all, towards a legend of football and sport,” she wrote on Twitter, also calling for an apology.
PSG manager Christopher Galtier was asked about the situation involving Le Graet and his comments on Tuesday.
Image: Zidane won the World Cup with Deschamps in 1998
“Zinedine Zidane deserves respect, and I am convinced that he has the respect of everyone,” the PSG boss said.
“He was an extraordinary player for the French team. He is a great coach with three league titles. Obviously the words that were said created a strong reaction.
“I’m not going to comment on the words, I simply say that Zinedine Zidane deserves great respect and he has the respect of everyone.
“I am not in the habit of shooting at an ambulance [the messenger], so I will not comment further.”
What has been Le Graet’s response to the backlash?
Image: Deschamps has signed a contract until June 2026
Le Graet apologised for his comments following the considerable public backlash.
“I would like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become,” Le Graet said in a statement reported by L’Equipe.
“I admit that I made awkward remarks which created a misunderstanding. Zidane knows the immense esteem I have for him, like all French people.”
Who could replace Le Graet if he leaves?
Image: Ex-UEFA president Michel Platini could replace Le Graet
Le Graet’s dismissal of Zidane as a potential successor to Deschamps comes two years after he had backed the former midfielder to take up the reins if available.
One of the even more controversial candidates for the top job if Le Graet leaves could be Michel Platini.
French president Emmanuel Macron has also intervened in the growing controversy, reportedly sounding out Platini for the role of FFF chief.
A Swiss court cleared Platini of corruption and fraud charges in July last year.
According to reports in France, Platini would consider taking the position if offered it, although those around him aren’t convinced it would be a sensible move.
Win £250,000 with Super 6!
Another Saturday, another chance to win £250,000 with Super 6. Play for free, entries by 3pm.
Sourse: skysports.com
