Noel Le Graet has stepped aside as president of the French Football Federation.
The 81-year-old, who has faced allegations about his private conduct which he has denied, agreed to “step back” from the role at an urgent meeting of the FFF executive committee.
On Tuesday, the prominent sports agent Sonia Souid said in an interview with L’Equipe that Le Graet repeatedly tried to approach her from 2013-17.
The French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera in September ordered an investigation into the FFF over claims of sexual harassment.
The committee also removed general manager Florence Hardouin, with deputy vice-president Philippe Diallo taking over both positions on an acting basis.
In a statement on Wednesday, the FFF said:
“Noel Le Graet, in agreement with the executive committee of the FFF meeting today in Paris, has chosen to withdraw from his duties as president of the federation until the final communication of the audit carried out by the ministry of sports, and awaiting its findings by the executive committee.”
Le Graet has also come under fire in recent days from players and politicians for criticising Zinedine Zidane.
In an interview with French radio, Le Graet said he “would not even have taken his call” had Zidane contacted him about becoming manager of the France national team.
Le Graet later apologised for his “clumsy remarks”, after criticism from Real Madrid, politicians and players including Kylian Mbappe.
The FFF confirmed in the same statement announcing Le Graet’s withdrawal that Didier Deschamps’ new contract had been ratified by the organisation.
