Here’s a story that feels like we’ve heard it before. The head of state decides to step in and resolve a crisis that’s escalated within the national football association. FIFA addresses the association and tells them something like “We see what you’re doing, beware”. It all brings bad memories for every sports fan in Kenya.President of France Emmanuel Macron will meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino today to discuss the case involving the under-fire Noel Le Graet, president of the French national football federation (FFF). The FFF will surely not be far from the discussions between the two men. Officials of the world body recall that for several weeks, FIFA has been closely watching the situation around the FFF and possible political interference. Red flags, France!##NAJAVA_MECA_7024759##Le Graet is currently under investigation by Paris prosecutors for sexual and psychological harassment following accusations against him made by football agent Sonia Souid. The report stated that his attitude towards women “can be described at the very least as sexist”, and said that there was evidence his behaviour was “likely to be considered as criminal”. He denies any wrongdoing.Although Macron and Infantino are officially meeting to talk about the French Sport en Commun programme, devised to help grassroots sports organisations in Africa, and a few other administrative topics, it’s all but sure that they will at least have a chat about what’s going on with Le Graet.##NAJAVA_MECA_7026827##FIFA has been closely watching the situation around the FFF – like all other countries – and possible political interference. “France is not above other nations,” adds a FIFA official. On 12 February, the interim president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, even received a letter from the general secretary of FIFA, Fatma Samoura, to remind him of article 19 of the FIFA statutes which stipulates that “each association member shall conduct its affairs independently without undue influence from any third party”.I have for a very long time believed that this template on “government interference” from FIFA is reserved for CAF and CONCACAF federations.Ladies and Gentlemen, the French Football Federation has received one.Should we welcome them to CAF? pic.twitter.com/D6oM1l5hFE— Daniel N Wahome, LBW (@MistaWahome) February 15, 2023 Regarding the Le Graet file, Macron remains attentive to the independence of the sports movement. According to those around him, he does not intend to interfere in the internal governance of the FFF.Should we believe them?
