French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel le Graet has resigned. The 81-year-old executive stepped down in January while an audit was being carried out into the federation by the Ministry of Sports following accusations of sexual harassment, with vice-president Philippe Diallo named in the meantime as acting interim chairman. The ministry’s report concluded that “considering his conduct towards women, his public comments and the governance failings of the FFF, Mr. Le Graet no longer has the necessary legitimacy to run and represent French football.” Le Graet has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In an interview with French sports daily L’Equipe, published after the report on Feb. 28, he said that his lawyers would challenge the sports ministry’s report while insisting that he had “never harassed anyone.” Le Graet’s mandate at the head of the FFF was supposed to run until 2024. Diallo will remain interim president until June, when a permanent successor will be chosen.

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