Paris prosecutors drop sexual harassment case against former French football chief Noël Le Graët

Sexual harassment charges against former French Football Federation (FFF) president Noël Le Graët have been dropped, his lawyer told AFP on Sunday.

Le Graët quit as head of the FFF in February 2023 after 11 years in charge following a report commissioned by the Ministry of Sport that criticised his "inappropriate public positions" and "inappropriate behaviour (...) towards women."

At the time, the Paris public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into moral and sexual harassment which has now been dropped.

A source said proceedings were closed on October 17, because the offences were insufficiently serious.

Le Graët's lawyer Thierry Marembert confirmed the information to AFP. 

"I welcome this decision, which recognises my client's probity. The in-depth criminal investigation was able to verify that none of the accusations that had been hastily levelled against him held water," Marembert said. 

Le Graët, who is 82, meanwhile spoke to French newspaper Le Monde.

"It's a great relief. There's still a bit of anger deep inside me," the ex-president said. "I'm not at the stage of forgiveness, but I'm happy to have emerged from this affair with my head held high and to have restored a little of my honour."  

Meanwhile, a libel case launched by Le Graët against then Minister of Sport Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, accusing her of "lying' about the report into Le Graët continues. It is due to be heard on December 3-4. 

(AFP)