Former French FA GM Florence Hardouin files complaint against Noël Le Graët for sexual harassment and bullying

Former French FA General Manager Florence Hardouin has filed a complaint for sexual harassment and bullying against former FFF chief Noël Le Graët, according to a report from Le Monde. The outlet reports that Hardouin was questioned for several hours on April 18th by the Brigade de répression de la délinquance contre la personne, a department of the Paris judicial police, in the wake of the investigation opened back in January against the 81-year-old Breton.

Hardouin was suspended, and then dismissed, by the French FA Executive Committee. She reportedly believes she was fired as a consequence of the remarks she made to the inspectors tasked with carrying out the government-mandated audit of the FA. The General Manager is said to have reported alleged acts of “bullying, sexual and sexist harassment” that she said she had suffered from Le Graët for several years. Le Graët, who resigned from the presidency, had denied those allegations.

Hardouin, who suffered a heart attack when she learnt of her sacking, is also suing the French FA for the way in which she was dismissed. The 56-year-old believes the French FA had no right to end her contract because she denounced alleged acts of harassment. Le Monde has learnt that Hardouin and the French FA will meet on June 1st in labour court. Hardouin is reportedly seeking a €2.5m compensation package from the FFF.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval