French federation boss rapped over Zidane comments

• Published date: 10 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet came under fire as he was forced to apologise for what he dubbed his own 'clumsy remarks' about Zinedine Zidane's potential interest in coaching the France national team.

Le Graet had quipped dismissively in an interview to French radio station RMC on Sunday that he 'wouldn't even have taken his call on the phone' when asked whether Zidane had rung him to express an interest in taking over as coach from Didier Deschamps.

That drew criticism from France and Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, who said Le Graet had shown 'a lack of respect' with his comments.

Real Madrid, where Zidane enjoyed decorated spells as a player and a coach, also hit out at Le Graet, while French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera waded in too, demanding an apology.

The 81-year-old head of the FFF duly did apologise yesterday, Le Graet saying: 'I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely...