Noel Le Graet Sacked After Zidane Comments

After receiving criticism for his remarks made during Didier Deschamps' contract extension as head coach of the national team, Nöel Le Gräet, president of the French Football Federation, has decided to resign from his job. People found Noel Le Graet's position reprehensible because he said he wouldn't answer the phone if Zinedine Zidane called.

After receiving a report from the French Federation Executive Committee, the French Ministry of Sports convened an exceptional meeting ("Comex"). Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, France's minister of sports, requested the fired president to apologize for his remarks before the meeting, stating that they were dishonourable and showed disrespect for a legend.

Nöel Le Gräet afterwards apologized, but it was too late to change his foolish statements.

"I would like to personally apologize for these comments, which in no way reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become," he stated.

Other football talents, such as Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain, have criticized Le Gräet. Noel Le Gräet was called out by Mbappe, who said that Zidane represents the nation and should not be mistreated.

After learning of Le Graet's comments, Real Madrid earlier on Monday, January 9, posted an official statement on their website expressing their support for Zidane.

"Real Madrid laments the unfortunate comments made by the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, regarding Zinedine Zidane, one of the world's biggest sporting legends," the statement started. Zidane was among those eyeing the French national team's managerial job before the federation decided to extend Deschamps' contract.

Deschamps will continue his role as the head of the French team until June 2026.