Noël Le Graët ensures that Karim Benzema will not be excluded from the selection after his judgment in the sextape case

The case of the sextape, the finances of the FFF, the World Cup every two years… In an interview with the newspaper The Parisian [article payant], Wednesday November 10, Noël Le Graët evokes the present and the future of the France team. He sets the Blues the goal of reaching at least the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Semi-final goal in Qatar

“In view of the quality of the players of the France team, I would like us to reach the last four”, declares Noël Le Graët about the next World Cup. To achieve this ambition, the president of the FFF renews his confidence in Didier Deschamps and does not close the door to an extension of the coach in the event of a good result in Qatar and if he wishes to continue his adventure at the head of the Blues: “Didier is going to do the World Cup and we’ll see afterwards”. To prepare for the competition, the reigning world champions could already fly to Qatar at the start of 2022: “It is possible that Qatar will organize a tournament in March, in which France may participate”.

A departure from the Stade de France?

In his interview, Noël Le Graët also discusses the subject of the federation’s finances and is delighted with a review. “less alarmist than expected” for the 2020-2021 season. He also puts pressure on the Stade de France, with whom the FFF has a contract until 2024 but maintains strained relations, and leaves the idea that the Blues no longer play their matches in the enclosure. from Saint-Denis: “We will see after 2024 and the Olympics if the stadium undergoes changes, or if the state takes more care of it. But, under the conditions under which we signed this contract because a stadium was needed for the 1998 World Cup , that’s enough. We have paid enough. We will only renew this contract on economic terms acceptable to the FFF “.

Karim Benzema’s place with the Blues not compromised by a possible conviction

Also according to the president of the federation, the place of Karim Benzema with the Blues should not be called into question whatever the judgment in the case of the sextape, which will be rendered on November 24. The prosecution requested 10 months suspended prison sentence and a € 75,000 fine against the Real Madrid striker. “The coach will always remain responsible for his selection and Benzema will not be excluded from a possible judicial sanction. Even if he receives a suspended prison sentence, he still has the possibility of appealing a conviction”.

For a World Cup every two years

Finally, Noël Le Graët justified his position in favor of the organization of a World Cup every two years, wanted by Fifa: “We must not think only of Western Europe and its rich countries. Europe is against it because it has lucrative competitions. But Africa, for example, needs more matches The FIFA president must present a viable economic project […] It is an economically important decision “.