November 4 – Paris prosecutors have dropped sexual harassment fees towards Noël Le Graët, the long-time head of the French Soccer Federation, who stepped down in February final 12 months following a damning report commissioned by the sports activities ministry.
Le Graët, now 82, give up as FFF chief after 11 years in cost following an audit that concluded he was not match to manage and signify the game in France and highlighted what it termed “the inappropriate behaviour of Mr Le Graet in the direction of ladies”.
On the time, the Paris public prosecutor’s workplace opened an investigation into ethical and sexual harassment which has now been dropped on account of inadequate proof.
“I welcome this choice, which recognises my consumer’s probity,” stated Le Graet’s lawyer Thierry Marembert. “The in-depth felony investigation was capable of confirm that not one of the accusations that had been unexpectedly levelled towards him held water.”
Le Graët instructed Le Monde of his “nice reduction” on the final result.
“There’s nonetheless a little bit of anger deep inside me,” he stated. “I’m not on the stage of forgiveness, however I’m completely happy to have emerged from this affair with my head held excessive and to have restored a bit of my honour.”
In a separate interview with l’Equipe, he added: “I lived by a nightmare, however being cleared on this affair brings some consolation.”
So as to add salt to Le Graet wounds, after he resigned he succumbed to the inevitable by withdrawing his candidacy for re-election to the omnipotent FIFA Council and was changed by Portugal’s boss Fernando Gomes.
In the meantime, a libel case launched by Le Graët towards then Minister of Sport Amelie Oudea-Castera, accusing her of ‘mendacity’ continues and is because of be heard on December 3-4.
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