Noel Le Graet said he would refuse to take a phone call from Zinedine Zidane after France handed coach Didier Deschamps a new contract.
Kylian Mbappe has accused Noel Le Graet of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane after the French Football Federation president’s dismissive response to suggestions the former Real Madrid coach could join Brazil.
It was announced on Saturday that Didier Deschamps has signed a new four-year contract as France head coach, which will see him lead Les Bleus to a fourth World Cup in 2026.
Former France talisman Zidane has been linked with his country’s top job on several occasions, including following their World Cup final defeat to Argentina last month.
With the position set to be filled for the foreseeable future, Zidane has been suggested as a potential candidate to succeed Tite as head coach of Brazil.
Asked about speculation linking Zidane with the Selecao on Sunday, Le Graet told RMC he “didn’t speculate” where the 1998 World Cup winner went, adding that he would not answer the phone to the former midfielder.
The comments drew criticism from star player Mbappe, who tweeted: “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect a legend like that…”
Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in 2021 after leading Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga titles in two games at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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