France chiefs want to review Didier Deschamps' new contract already to open up the potential for him to leave his role next year, according to reports.
It was announced on Saturday that Deschamps is set to stay in charge of the national team until the 2026 World Cup after signing a four-year deal with the French Football Federation (FFF), having led France to their second successive World Cup final last month.
However, L'Equipe have reported that a number of people within the FFF committee are unhappy with how Deschamps' contract renewal was handled behind their backs by president Noel Le Graet, who was convinced by Deschamps to hand him a deal until after the tournament in North America.
The report claims Le Graet did not mention giving Deschamps such a lengthy contract in an assembly of the committee on Friday, just 24 hours before it was announced.
Some committee members would like to alter the contract to provide the option for Deschamps to leave his post in 2024 after the European Championships in Germany - the same time that Le Graet's tenure as president is set to end.
Whether Le Graet continues in his position until then is in doubt, though, after he was accused of 'sexual harassment' by football agent Sonia Souid.
The 37-year-old agent recently claimed in an interview that Le Graet looked at her 'like a piece of candy' and was only interested in her sexually. The football chief has not responded to the accusation.
Le Graet, 81, has also angered the French public with his dismissive comments about Zinedine Zidane after being asked whether he would consider appointing the former World Cup winner as France manager in the future.
Le Graet responded by claiming he would not even pick up the phone to the ex-Real Madrid manager if he called about becoming France's next manager.
Kylian Mbappe was particularly irked by Le Graet's comments, leaping to Zidane's defence by tweeting: 'Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that.'
Le Graet has called for an extraordinary executive board meeting for Wednesday morning, and the pressure is mounting on him to quit following Souid's allegations and his remarks about Zidane.
Protestors waited outside the FFF offices while the meeting took place, holding up placards calling for Le Graet to step down, with one reading: 'Sexual harassment: Le Graet resign.'
Should he leave the position he has held for over 11 years, this may then lead to Deschamps' contract being looked into by the committee and his successor.
vecabcky
0
he need leave immediately, he is not a leader,we need shut down French league one, or the fans will boycott the championship, we don’t want him to be the president of the fff.y’AA khaay demal nous n’avons plus besoin de toi.
Vendiknprt
0
I wonder why they keep fighting this contract renewal. Deschamps is clearly a great coach and should be allowed to continue
why was the contract manipulated behind the close doors . it seems unpopular decision.
ritabdlmtu
3
they should give zizou the chance and allow him to win another world cup
ClemJay
3
I wonder why they keep fighting this contract renewal. Deschamps is clearly a great coach and should be allowed to continue
Yizabimpr
0
Deschamp has cost France the world cup with his stupidity
Yizabimpr
1
yeah he thought that the office was really his house he should have left a long time ago
Kudacmnt
2
Those who the Gods want to disgrace, will always put their foot in their mouth! His time is up. He should go and retire please 🙏🏾
Emmy619
4
Corruption is Everywhere within football.😏
munyidavie
1
Grandpa thought the office was his house..ger out of here