the former director general of the French Federation, Florence Hardouin, withdraws her complaint against Noël Le Graët

The former general director of the French Football Federation (FFF), Florence Hardouin, withdrew her complaint, filed on April 18, against former president Noël Le Graët for sexual and moral harassment, the management of the sports from Radio France.

After a magazine investigation So Foot on the sexist atmosphere which reigned at the French Football Federation, and in particular the messages sent by President Noël Le Graët to several employees, the Ministry of Sports had requested an audit which led to the resignation of Noël Le Graët.

A financial agreement reached

In office since 2013, Florence Hardouin was suspended as a precautionary measure for serious misconduct on January 11, 2023, following a federal executive committee which also noted the withdrawal of Noël Le Graët. But the FFF finally waived the dismissal for serious misconduct. She then filed a complaint against President Noël le Graët for sexual and moral harassment.

She therefore withdrew this complaint after negotiations with the new president of the Federation, Philippe Diallo. A financial agreement has been reached, according to information from the sports management of Radio France. Of the 2.5 million euros she demanded, Florence Hardouin ultimately obtained around half. Confidential information since even the members of the executive committee of the Federation were not informed of the terms.

Florence Hardouin is due to testify before the National Assembly on Thursday, but the withdrawal of her complaint changes nothing in the eyes of the justice system, which is continuing its criminal investigation. Noël Le Graët is expected before the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., to be heard by the parliamentary commission of inquiry, dedicated to the failures of sports federations.