Noël Le Graët, FFF President, on ‘One Love’ badge: ‘I follow FIFA’s position’

What do you think of the victory of the French national team (4-1) on Tuesday evening over Australia?
We had an excellent game despite a complicated start with an injury to Lucas Hernandez who crossed the paths. It’s annoying. We put in a very quality game in terms of gameplay, it was a lot of fun. Our team seems complementary to me.

Do these frequent injuries worry you?
These are facts about the game, but unfortunately they are always there.

After this first meeting, did you keep the goal set by Didier Deschamps to reach the semi-finals?
completely. When I see the level of the team, even if it’s just one game and you have to be careful, I’m obviously sticking to that idea. It’s just the beginning, but it’s reassuring.

The accommodation conditions of the Blues, who felt a little confined, were criticized during last Euros. How do you judge those who have it in Qatar?
she’s perfect. The hotel is spacious, and there are green spaces all around. Did not matter. Players are happy, even if they haven’t been out much yet. Nobody complains about the conditions, be it the players or the staff. The training ground is also very good.

Some European federations (especially Denmark) don’t budge on wearing the One Love badge against discrimination. FFF is not on this line. why ?
We apply FIFA guidelines, period. We are 32 teams participating in this World Cup, from different continents, different cultures and different religions with different problems. I find it very good that FIFA has decided that everyone should wear the same captain’s armband. In the World Cup, I follow the position of FIFA. When we play the Euros, it’s me from UEFA. In France the federalist position prevails. At home, we distribute armbands to amateur teams to those who wish to wear them.

There is still no announcer for the Coupe de France. Where are we ?
I think we will start working at the end of the week to sign a new four-year contract. There will be France Télévisions and another broadcaster to replace Eurosport.

With financial conditions approaching the previous decade (21 million euros annually)?
yes. The union will not go bankrupt. She has a lot of flaws but she knows how to deal with them…

Is there an alternative to succeed Pascal Garibian at the head of the technical management of arbitration?
I have instructed Marc Keeler (President of Strasbourg and member of the Executive Committee of the Forum of French Cinema) to organize appointments to receive the candidates. Then the union decides.

Has the scrutiny of the FFF by the Ministry of Sports ended?
You have to ask the very competent minister. »