Noel Le Graet expected to resign ahead of tomorrow’s FFF executive committee meeting

Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas has called on the President of the French Football Federation (FFF), Noel Le Graet, to resign ahead of tomorrow’s executive meeting.

The FFF has scheduled a meeting where the executive committee members will convene to discuss the future of the 81-year-old amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Investigation into Le Graet began after several FFF female employees accused him of sexual harassment in September last year. 

Le Graet was accused of sending inappropriate messages to women. Several resigned after claiming sexual and moral harassment, while others also left due to bullying.

The Frenchman had stepped back from his role as president of the FFF last month due to the allegations, with vice-president Philippe Diallo assuming temporary responsibility.

However, Jean-Michel Aulas, who has a close relationship with the president, claims he is ready to put the interest of the FFF before his own by stepping down permanently.

“I think it would be in his interest to take a step back to defend himself and be able to explain, in what he has been accused of, what is acceptable and what, from his point of view, is not,” Aulas told L’Equipe.

“He is a good person who realised that the Federation could, depending on what is currently happening, be very penalised. 

“Add to his personal problem a problem at the Federation, which for him comes first. Noel wants to put the interest of the FFF before his own.”

Le Graet has been President of the FFF for 12 years, but his reign is fast coming to an end. It remains to be seen whether he will heed Aulas’ call.