French FA President Le Graet Under Heavy Criticism For 'Clumsy Remarks' On Zidane

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet faces a pressured week over "clumsy remarks" about Zinedine Zidane's potential interest in coaching the France national team.

Le Graet in an interview with French radio station RMC on Sunday said, he "wouldn't even have taken his call" when asked whether Les Bleus legend Zidane had rung him to express an interest in taking over as coach from Didier Deschamps.

"I wouldn't even have taken his call," Le Graet said. "To tell him what? 'Hello, sir. Don't worry. Look for another club. I just agreed a contract with Didier'."

Le Graet also responded curtly to reports of Zidane's interest in coaching Brazil.

"I would be surprised if he left for there," he said.

"It's up to him what he does. It's not my business. I've never met with him and we've never considered parting with Didier Deschamps.

"He could go wherever he wants in Europe, to a big club. But a national side I find hard to believe."

That statement got him several criticisms with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe saying he showed "a lack of respect".

Real Madrid, where Zidane enjoyed decorated spells as a player and coach, also hit out at Le Graet, while French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera demanded an apology.

"These remarks show a lack of respect for one of the most admired figures by football fans around the world and our club is awaiting an immediate correction," Real said in a statement.

FIFA rules state that national federations must be free of government interference, but Oudea-Castera on Monday hinted that she wanted to see Le Graet removed from his post as she called on the executive committee of the FFF to "take responsibility".

"It is important that they get the measure of the situation," she told reporters.

"I don't want any more of these situations where he loses it. We have become too used to these gaffes."

Le Graet, however, issued an apology on Monday saying, "I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become.

"I gave an interview to RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.

"I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding."

However, the government has launched an audit of the federation and Le Graet has been summoned to attend a hearing on Tuesday.

Le Graet is a former socialist mayor of the small Brittany town of Guingamp who later oversaw the rise of the local football team to a top-flight force during his time as club president.

He was elected president of the federation in 2011 and his current mandate is due to expire in 2024.

Problems In French Federation

The comments might have been spontaneous or out of spite but it only shows there is a problem at the very heart of French football.

Mbappe after the Euro accused the FFF of ignoring racist chant targeted towards him while the situation quickly subsided, we saw a much disaccord when Karim Benzema refused the French FA President's invitation to watch the final nor play despite recovery from injury.

In recent weeks, three players Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, Blaise Matuidi and Hugo Lloris have retired.

Easily we could write it off as old guards calling off time, but be that as it may, this comment about Zidane might just be the final straw that breaks the camel's back.