French soccer head urged to quit

Referees have been told by the head of French soccer to ignore a FIFA directive and no longer stop matches when there is homophobic chanting.

In response, antidiscrimination groups urged Noel Le Graet, the French Football Federation president, to resign.

Several league games in the top two French divisions have been halted by referees this season. But Le Graet wants referees to let play continue if there are more homophobic chants, starting from this weekend.

“To say that football is homophobic, and could be the only symbol of homophobia in France, that’s a bit strong. I don’t accept it,” Le Graet told France Info radio station on Tuesday. “We’ll make sure there are no more banners (in stadiums); that’s different. But stopping games, no.”

Le Graet said he is against homophobia but added that matches should be stopped only in cases of racism — such as racist chanting or monkey noises aimed at black players — or security problems such as fan violence.

“Stopping matches (for homophobic chanting) doesn’t interest me. It’s an error,” Le Graet said. “I would stop a game for racist chants, that is clear. I would stop it for a fight, for incidents, if there is a danger somewhere inside the stadium.”

FIFA earlier this year reminded federations and referees to follow a three-step procedure which allows them to stop, suspend and ultimately abandon a game if discriminatory behaviour persists. FIFA did not respond to an email requesting comment on the order from Le Graet, who is also a member of the world soccer body’s ruling council.

The Rouge Direct group, which campaigns against homophobia in French stadiums and sport, called on Le Graet to resign and withdraw his comments immediately.

Spokesman Julien Pontes said the group would go to court if he refuses to do so.