French Football Federation president apologises for Zinedine Zidane rant

The president of the French Football Federation has apologised for his strange comments towards Zinedine Zidane following widespread criticism.

Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe were among the biggest entities to take issue with the statement from Noel Le Graet, who claimed he ‘did not give a damn’ about Zidane’s next move and added that he would not even pick up the phone for a call from the former midfielder.

The comments came after France extended the contract of Didier Deschamps, ending rumours that Zidane could take over Les Bleus following the World Cup in Qatar.

After significant criticism and calls for him to resign from his post, Le Graet has admitted his comments were ‘clumsy’ and apologised.

“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,” a statement read.

“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.”

This latest criticism of Le Graet comes at a time in which the FFF president finds himself under significant pressure to resign amid allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace – something the president has strongly denied – and his failure to criticise Qatar during the World Cup.