France and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe has apparently gone after French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet for “disrespecting” Zinedine Zidane after the boss was asked about Les Bleus’ legendary former talisman in the wake of Didier Deschamps’ new deal until 2026.
Le Graet and Deschamps have announced that the French tactician will remain in place until after the next FIFA World Cup on Saturday when Zidane has been touted as a potential replacement for Deschamps as the 2022 Qatar campaign did not go according to plan. France, under Deschamps, reached the final and against Argentina on penalties with Mbappe scoring three goals, so the decision to extend the 1998-winning former captain and the 2018-winning head coach was somewhat expected.
However, questioning what Zidane would do now that Deschamps is staying on, Le Graet went on a bizarre and meandering tirade that showed little regard for another 1998 champion and a beaten 2006 finalist who enjoyed managerial success with former club . Real Madrid.
“I’d be surprised if he goes there,” said Le Graet of Zidane’s Brazil links on RMC Sport. “But he can do as he wants. It doesn’t matter to me. We never met (Le Graet and Zidane) and we (the FFF) never considered divorcing Didier. I couldn’t care less. He can go where he wishes — to a big club, a national team. Certainly not (asked if Zidane had tried to reach him by phone) — I wouldn’t have even taken the call.”
Despite Le Graet’s powerful position at the FFF, 2022 World Cup top scorer Mbappe appeared to take aim at his president, rushing to the defense of one of his icons and a hugely popular national figure by the huge lack of respect from to call
“Zidane is France – you can’t disrespect a legend like that,” he wrote on Twitter.
Deschamps’ extension means Zidane is unlikely to see the role as France boss available until at least 2024 and the UEFA Euros in Germany which could mean he returns to the club game in the meantime. Per L’Equipe, Le Graet pushed through the extension without consulting other FFF members.
An audit of the FFF will present its results in mid-February with Le Graet entering the last full year of his mandate which expires in 2024 anyway. Given the numerous accusations against the FFF, especially regarding sexual misconduct and possible cover-up, Le Graet may even find it cut short.
Sports Minister Amelie Oudea Castera, who is involved in the audit of the federation, was also “offended” by Le Graet’s “shameful lack of respect” and demanded that the FFF head “apologise” for going too far went with his statements.
