New anonymous testimonies from former employees of the French Football Federation (FFF) evoked “
inappropriate
” behavior by its president Noël Le Graët, according to an investigation broadcast on Wednesday by Radio France, which the person concerned “
firmly disputes
”, denouncing "
false and malicious
" allegations
.
The boss of the FFF (80 years old), in office since 2011, has been in turmoil since the publication in September of an article in the magazine So Foot castigating his management and his behavior, which prompted the Ministry of Sports to carry out an audit. on the possible dysfunctions of the powerful football federation.
According to the Radio France survey, which anonymously quotes several former employees, there is a "
sexist climate and misogynistic behavior at the FFF
", even cases of "
harassment
".
In one of these testimonies, an ex-employee denounces the "
burdensome
" manners of Noël Le Graët, like "
repeated invitations to come and dine with him
".
A former senior leader, for her part, evokes a trip in 2016 when Le Graët would have put her hand on her thigh.
“
I pushed him away, telling him + president, we are not going to start the journey like that +
”, she said.
"
I strongly contest the alleged ''inappropriate'' behavior towards employees within the FFF
", reacted the president of the FFF in a statement sent to Radio France and AFP.
“
I have always maintained respectful relationships with my colleagues in an atmosphere of mutual trust.
These false and malicious anonymous allegations are clearly intended to harm me professionally and personally
,” he continued.
Other testimonies quoted by Radio France evoke the “
troubled
” role of Florence Hardouin, director general of the FFF criticized for her “
brutal management
”.
“
I categorically deny the false allegations that are reported to you against me
”, reacted for her part the leader.
“
I will not answer any questions from journalists since, as you know, an audit requested by the Ministry of Sports is in progress.
»
This audit mission, which Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra entrusted to the General Inspectorate for Education, Sport and Research on September 16, follows the publication in the magazine So Foot of an article in question the FFF and its president, accused of having sent SMS of a sexual nature to employees.
A defamation complaint has since been filed by the FFF.
