The power struggle continues at the top of the French Football Federation (FFF). Director General Florence Hardouin contacted the Defender of Rights in the context of the dismissal procedure launched against her. “We have contacted the Defender of Rights to have the FFF’s obstruction of Florence Hardouin’s whistleblower status noted”, Me Margaux Mathieu told AFP, confirming daily information The world.
The lawyer establishes a link between the denunciation of “acts of harassment, criminally reprehensible”, made by Florence Hardouin against the president of the Federation Noël Le Graët within the framework of the audit mission on the FFF, and the dismissal of the general manager the day after this testimony.
“The disciplinary procedure initiated by his employer, following this denunciation, and in retaliation, is illegal. Our client will challenge any sanction illegally taken against her by her employer,” says Me Mathieu.
An interview already postponed twice
First set for January 20, then postponed twice due to health problems, the interview prior to the dismissal of Florence Hardouin took place on Tuesday, without the general manager of the French Football Federation (FFF). According to RMC Sportthe 56-year-old leader was afraid to meet Noël Le Graët, president of the FFF, some of whose actions she denounced.
Florence Hardouin, in office since 2013, was suspended on a precautionary basis for serious misconduct on January 11, following a federal executive committee which also recorded the withdrawal of President Le Graët.
In his right
The preliminary interview is a legal step that can lead to dismissal. This is a right granted to the employee to defend himself and the latter is not required to honor it, without being blamed for his absence.
Appointed to the general management in 2013, the former fencer has long formed a united and effective tandem with Noël Le Graët, with an undeniable recovery of finances at the FFF to their credit. However, their “initial operational proximity turned into a toxic relationship”, according to the summary of the audit report on the FFF commissioned by the Ministry of Sports.