Harsh criticism for association boss
France rages over Zidane scolding
1/9/2023 1:34 p.m
Kylian Mbappé is outraged, Franck Ribéry scoffs: In France, association president Noël Le Graët has come under criticism. The reproach? Insult to Zinedine Zidane. Even Real Madrid are getting involved. The 1998 world champion is now looking for a new job.
In France there are unwritten laws that everyone should heed between Calais and Marseille. The kiss on the cheek (“La bise”) is primarily reserved for family members and very good friends. In restaurants you are always seated. And Zinedine Zidane is not questioned.
Noël Le Graët, President of the French Football Federation FFF, these customs are well known at the stately age of 81. The wave of indignation that has been sloshing towards him in the country of the runner-up world champion since Sunday can hardly surprise him. No, Le Graët had not forgotten his social manners. He had made disparaging remarks about what was perhaps the greatest of the Grande Nation.
The result was anger and indignation. “Zidane is France, we don’t treat this legend so disrespectfully,” wrote superstar Kylian Mbappé on Twitter. Long-time Bayern professional Franck Ribéry suggested that Le Graët see a doctor, even Minister of Sport Amelie Oueda-Castera intervened and demanded an apology from France’s top football official.
“Wouldn’t even have answered the phone”
There was even criticism from Spain. In an official statement, Zidane’s ex-club Real Madrid lamented “a lack of respect for one of the greatest sporting legends.” On Monday, Le Graët meekly backtracked. He regrets his “awkward statements”, which led to a “misunderstanding”. He wanted to personally apologize to Zidane. His statements “absolutely do not reflect my thoughts and appreciation for the player he was and the coach he has become,” Le Graët said in a statement to AFP.
The Zoff triggered a radio interview with Le Graët. In this he claimed that he was not interested in a phone call with Zidane before the contract extension with national coach Didier Deschamps. Asked if Zidane had called him to express his interest in Deschamps’ job, Le Graët replied: “I wouldn’t even have answered the phone. What should I have said to him? ‘Hello Monsieur, don’t worry, look’ You another club. I’ve just agreed a contract with Didier.'”
The 54-year-old Deschamps had extended his contract until 2026 on Saturday, almost three weeks after the final defeat at the World Cup in Qatar against Argentina (2: 4 on penalties). Zidane was considered a potential successor, the 1998 world champion has been without a job since leaving Real in summer 2021. Most recently, the 50-year-old, who won two championships and three Champions League titles with the royal team, was also traded as the Brazilian national coach. “Zizou” is said to have rejected an offer from the US association.
He was not an issue for Le Graët. “I never met him and we never thought about parting ways with Didier,” said Le Graët, adding on Zidane’s future: “He can do whatever he wants, that doesn’t concern me. In Europe he can choose the big clubs.” Zidane shouldn’t be short of interested parties. Not in the love of his compatriots anyway.