Presidents of French and Canadian soccer federations resign after investigation and sustained criticism

Noël Le Graët has resigned as president of the French Football Federation. The 81-year-old Le Graët is making the decision following findings by a commission of inquiry. That commission concluded two weeks ago that Le Graët’s behavior was at times derailed and incompatible with his duties.

“Particularly through ambiguous and obviously sexual text messages to others,” ruled the commission, which collected more than 100 testimonies. The commission asked national authorities to investigate the case further.

Le Graët was removed as chairman as early as Jan. 11. This was prompted, among other things, by insulting statements about French soccer icon Zinédine Zidane.

Le Graët has denied every allegation.

Nick Bontis also stepped down as president of the Football Association of Canada. The 53-year-old administrator is stepping down after sustained criticism.

Players on Canada’s women’s national team, due to budget cuts, arrears and unequal treatment compared to the men’s national team, have long been disgruntled. In the SheBelieves Cup recently, the Olympic champion competed under protest, said captain Christine Sinclair.

In the match against the United States, the players wore purple shirts with the text Enough is Enough during the playing of the national anthem.

The men’s team was also unhappy with the policies of Bontis and the Canadian Federation. Six months before the start of the World Cup in Qatar, the team, including Bayern Munich player Alphonso Davies, did not show up for a practice match against Panama. The soccer players are demanding more professionalism and want higher bonuses.

“I recognize that change is needed,” Bontis said in a statement, further stating that he is strongly in favor of equalizing conditions for female players compared to men. “But unfortunately, I will no longer lead the league if this happens.”