Crisis at FFF: “I have to put myself above the fight,” Philippe Diallo says.

Philippe Diallo took over his first executive committee this Thursday in the absence of Noel LeGrate, who was recalled by the executive committee a week ago after his repeated misses, most recently against Zinedine Zidane. No decision has been made regarding the future president of the FFF, as he is under investigation for moral and sexual harassment, pending an audit by the Ministry of Sports, the findings of which will be made in mid-February.

“There were many exchanges of opinions in order to study as closely as possible the new situation that has arisen in connection with the launch of the investigation of moral and sexual harassment against Noel Le Grand,” said Philippe Diallo in an interview provided by L’Equipe. We concluded that there is an ongoing judicial investigation and the need to maintain the presumption of innocence. »

“Concerning the administrative investigation (from the Ministry of Sports), we will have the opportunity to consider its findings and draw conclusions (…) The final conclusions will not be known until mid-February. Comex believes that it is necessary to have all the elements in order to make a final decision. At the end of the finals, the conclusions will make Noel Le Grand question himself in his soul and conscience about his situation. »

“The only concern is the general interest”

As for his position as interim president, Philippe Diallo says he is ready to hold it for as long as necessary until June if Noel Le Grae does not return to office. “I am doing my duty as a sports leader. I must place myself above quarreling and have common interests as my only concern. This means that personal ambition, which may be legitimate, must be put on hold during this crisis period. Then everyone will be able to have the ambitions that he considers natural in order to qualify for the presidency of the Federation. »

“Then I am ready to perform the functions entrusted to me. Yes, I’m ready. I have been in football for thirty years. I know both international and national football, professional clubs and the federation, in which I have been working for two years. I can lead the Federation during this time period. Charter aside, my Comex colleagues humbly thought I had the ability. »