After the dismissal of the complaint for moral and sexual harassment against him, the former president of the FFF broke his silence. Without sparing anyone.
On 17 October, Noël Le Graët, 82, welcomed with relief the rejection of the complaint for moral and sexual harassment that had been made against him in his role at the French Football Federation. The leader, the target of criticism and media attacks, had to leave the FFF without any further charges being filed. In the columns of the team a you Worldthe latter wanted to express himself once the sentence had been issued.
« I lived a nightmare, but being exonerated in this case makes me feel good, even if I feel a feeling of anger and reliefit says in the preamble. I think I’ve always behaved well. I’m used to working with women, both at FFF and in my company, you can joke, but I’ve never gone beyond that. We are in a time where we have to be careful about everything we say, but I don’t feel wrong. In any case, I have never sent text messages or messages of a sexual nature. Justice has passed and cleaned up my honor. »
He never considered Oudéa-Castéra and takes revenge
Relaunched on the role of the then Minister of Sport, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who had made public a ” damning report » against the president of the FFF, the latter replies. “ His administration carried out a damning investigation, interviewing around forty people.”states today against the political leader who will be judged on December 3 for defamation… against Noël Le Graët. “ What did he do for sport? Rather I will judge it by its transition to national education (28 days, between January and February 2024), It made me feel a little sorry. I’m human. » At 82, “NLG” has lost none of its sarcasm.
Le Graët faces Diallo, his successor: “he should play at Lotus”
When asked about his successor, Philippe Diallo, who will run in the December 14 elections, the former mayor of Guingamp and president of the local club makes his moves. “ I have no opinion (about him). He should play the lottery. He is fired by the UCPF union, ex-Foot Unis, I have a vacancy, I tell myself he knows football and appoints him treasurer. With the departure of Brigitte Henriques from CNOSF, I promoted him to vice president. I would have done better to nominate another woman. » And concludes Le Graët, who will join Pierre Samsonoff, former general director of the Amateur Football League, in the race for the FFF. “ I don’t know if Aulas or Diallo are number 1 (from FFF). I don’t see Diallo’s Aulas number 2, maybe they will change order. »
Interview: A Conversation on Leadership and Accountability in Sports
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special interview. Today, we’re diving into a significant moment in French sports with our expert, Dr. Isabelle Duval, a sociologist specializing in sports ethics and leadership. With the recent developments surrounding Noël Le Graët, the former president of the French Football Federation, we’ll unpack the implications of his statements and the broader cultural context. Dr. Duval, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Isabelle Duval: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that speaks to many urgent issues in sports today.
Editor: Let’s start with the facts: Noël Le Graët was recently exonerated from a complaint of moral and sexual harassment. He expressed relief and anger, claiming that he has always behaved appropriately while working with women. How do you view this self-justification from him?
Dr. Duval: It’s complex. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief for him personally, having faced allegations that could have severely impacted his reputation. However, his phrasing—particularly the assertion that he has always behaved well—raises questions about accountability. Acknowledgment of inappropriate behavior, even in a joking context, is vital. Just because he feels exonerated doesn’t necessarily mean his previous conduct should be considered appropriate in today’s standards.
Editor: He mentions that “we are in a time where we have to be careful about everything we say.” Do you think this reflects a broader discomfort in how men perceive changing social norms regarding gender interactions?
Dr. Duval: Absolutely. There’s a generational shift happening, and many older figures in leadership roles can find it challenging to navigate these changes. Le Graët’s statement suggests a resistance to understanding that what might have been acceptable in the past is increasingly scrutinized today. His focus on being exonerated rather than reflecting on the changes needed in leadership and interpersonal conduct can be seen as a failure to evolve.
Editor: Le Graët also commented on his experiences working with women in a professional context. How do you interpret this?
Dr. Duval: His experience working with women is essential, but it needs to be viewed critically. Just because someone has worked alongside women doesn’t grant them immunity from inappropriate behavior or dismiss the need for respect and professionalism. Acknowledging the power dynamics at play is crucial. His insistence that he’s never “gone beyond” could dismiss the nuances of behavior that may still contribute to a hostile work environment.
Editor: He didn’t hold back in critiquing the role of Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the former Minister of Sports. Can you relay the significance of such public confrontations from leaders in sports?
Dr. Duval: Confrontation from leaders can often reflect deeper tensions within organizations. By targeting Oudéa-Castéra, Le Graët is attempting to shift blame and distract from his own circumstances. This kind of public discourse can be problematic, as it often polarizes groups and puts additional strain on institutional relationships. Effective leadership should focus on accountability and constructive dialogue rather than finger-pointing.
Editor: As we wrap up, what do you believe is the pathway forward for leaders like Le Graët in light of these developments?
Dr. Duval: Leaders in sports must adapt to the changing environment. They should engage in open, honest conversations about their conduct, embrace the need for cultural change, and, most importantly, listen to the perspectives of women who are directly affected by their actions. Leaders need to model accountability and foster an inclusive culture if they hope to regain trust and ensure the well-being of all within their purview.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Duval, for your insightful analysis today. Clearly, the conversation about leadership and accountability in sports is ongoing and necessary.
Dr. Duval: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation, and I hope it continues to evolve for the better.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this important discussion. Stay informed with Time.news for more insights on the intersection of sports, society, and leadership.