Tue, November 05, 2024
Sexual harassment charges against FFF’s former president dropped
Sexual harassment charges against French Football Federation’s (FFF) previous president, Noël Le Graët (82) who resigned last year have been dropped by prosecutors. Le Monde discovered on Sunday, November 3 that prosecutors were unable to find sufficiently serious offences.
Prior to this, a sports magazine, So Foot, alleged in 2022 that employees received sexually inappropriate messages from Le Graët who was also previously mayor of Guingamp. Radio France revealed additional anonymous testimonies recounting a “toxic climate,” “inappropriate behaviours,” and harassment from Le Graët.
Le Graët resigned in February 2023 after 11 years as head of the FFF due to a report commissioned by the Ministry of Sport. It condemned his “inappropriate public positions" and "inappropriate behaviour (...) towards women.”
The report by the Ministry of Sport said: “Considering his conduct towards women, his public comments and the governance failings of the FFF, Mr Le Graët no longer has the necessary legitimacy to run and represent French football.”
The probe into Le Graët took 2 years, and the investigation officially ended on 17 October.
Thierry Marembert, Le Graët’s lawyer, said: “I welcome this decision, which recognises my client's probity. The in-depth criminal investigation was able to verify that none of the accusations that had been hastily levelled against him held water.”
Marembert also said that the comments made, “when put into context,” are “given their true value, sometimes as jokes but never constituting the slightest offence.”
Le Graët himself said: “It's a great relief. There's still a bit of anger deep inside me. I'm not at the stage of forgiveness, but I'm happy to have emerged from this affair with my head held high and to have restored a little of my honour.”
Additionally, Le Graët instigated a libel case against Amélie Oudéa-Castéra who was Minister of Sport at the time of his sexual harassment investigation. He claims that she told lies during the process.
This case continues and is likely to be heard early December.
The FFF took legal action against So Foot for defamation.
