It is often said that puns are a sign of good health. If so, then at the beginning of 2023, Noel Le Grand is doing very well. “I’m here, but I’m not tired,” he interrupts the journalist, talking about his succession. This Saturday, January 7th at noon, the Breton Menhir reflects the smiles of those who take revenge.
Two hours earlier, Didier Deschamps announced on the podium of the FFF General Assembly that he was going to re-serve for four years. This decision caused a storm of applause under the understanding look of the 81-year-old patriarch, who was well aware that he had put the temple back in the middle of the village. The President of the FFF did not want such a length of time – he preferred two years – but how could one not take advantage of such satisfaction?
Two months ago, this scene of joy seemed as plausible as Randal Kolo Muani’s strike, which is about to offer a third star in the World Cup final. And still. “It has not been easy every day in recent months, but the house is well maintained,” greeted LFP President and Executive Committee member Vincent Labrune.
Ministry audit on the agenda from Tuesday
How long will this blessed state last? Impossible to tell, but in the corridors of the Hotel Méridien Étoile (17th arrondissement of Paris) there is no longer a line-up frying. “This World Cup saved him,” says the leader from the south of France, pleased with everything. Former coach Joel Müller admits: “The president has taken care of speeding up the movement in the last 48 hours. It was important for him to deliver this very good news. »
With this expansion, the NLG has taken the perfect shot from its hat to captivate its constituents and rally ranks. Among other controversies, the man is accused of sexual harassment by several former employees – facts he denies – and finds himself in a hidden conflict with sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera.
This Tuesday, he will again be called upon to answer the inspectors as part of an inspection commissioned by the government. Internal governance, the functioning of the federation, the protection of minor rights holders from the risk of sexual assault… The findings of this investigation are due to be published in February.
“This is the first time I’ve seen him so excited.”
In the meantime, the boss addressed the guests with surprisingly trembling vocal cords. “I had a little turbulence, I received messages, phone calls. I don’t know how to tell you this, but I love you,” he said. “Basically, this is not someone sentimental, this is not the most pleasant. This is the first time I see him so excited. And it marked me when he closed his microphones,” swears David Blattes, president of Herault County. It means something to me.” Which ? “This is just my interpretation, but we see that the transmission is on. »
During his triumphant re-election in March 2021, ten years after his debut, Le Grae explained that he wanted to complete his mandate while working to find a “successor”. With that in mind, Didier Deschamps’ presence until 2026 could help him pass the baton at the end of 2024, the person concerned said. “A four-year contract is useful because it will certainly allow the person who will be following me and discussing with Didier to spend some time so that the hand does not shake. »
Until then, in any case, there can be no question of denying its principles or polishing its positions. Noel Le Grae didn’t say a word to CEO Florence Hardouin, with whom relations are icy. But he remembered how he was annoyed by the “attack on Qatar”, once again taking the side of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
Source: Le Parisien
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a keen interest in sports and have written for many different publications. I am currently working as an author at 24 News Recorder. I cover mostly sports news but also write about other topics such as current affairs and politics. I have a strong interest in social media and how it can be used to engage with audiences.
