Emmanuel Macron ‘wades into Zinedine Zidane ‘phone call’ row’  

French President Emmanuel Macron “intervened” in the growing controversy over Noel Le Graet’s derogatory comments about Zinedine Zidane, by sounding out Michel Platini for the post of head of the soccer federation.

Le Graet claimed he “wouldn’t have even responded to Zidane’s call” if the 1998 World Cup winner had asked about replacing Didier Deschamps as France manager, comments that drew a fierce reaction.

The 81-year-old president of the French soccer federation later apologized and backtracked, but it emerged the dispute has now escalated to the highest level of the country’s government.

President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly weighed in on the ‘phone call’ controversy from Zinedine Zidane who has risen to the top of French football.

Macron has reportedly sounded scandal-hit former UEFA president Michael Platini to replace Noel Le Graet as FFF chief.

Reported by RMC Sport journalist Daniel Riolo that Macron took matters into his own hands by approaching Platini to see if he would be interested in replacing Le Graet, who appears to be on his way out.

Riolo said the 67-year-old Platini “has not completely closed the door” on a return to football administration after a difficult period as UEFA president and following an eight-year suspension from the sport along with the fallen unfortunate Sepp Blatter.

A Swiss court acquitted Platini of corruption and fraud charges in July last year.

Platini would consider taking the job if offered, according to the report, though those around him aren’t sure it’s a sensible move.

Noel Le Graet (L) stated that he would not have answered a phone call from Zidane

Zidane won three consecutive Champions League in his first spell at Real Madrid

It is the latest development in a storm that began when Le Graet, speaking about whether Deschamps would continue after France’s World Cup final loss to Argentina, dismissed Zidane.

“I wouldn’t have even taken your call,” Le Graet said. ‘To tell him what? “Hello sir, don’t worry. Look for another club. I just agreed a contract with Didier.”

It’s up to him what he does. Not my problem. I never met him and we never considered parting ways with Didier.

You can go wherever you want, to a club. I would have as many as I want in Europe, a great club. But a national team is hardly credible, in my opinion.

Didier Deschamps agreed to extend his contract as coach of the France national team

France suffered defeat to Argentina on penalties after a thrilling final in Qatar last month.

Deschamps agreed to a contract extension until the 2026 World Cup in North America, but Le Graet’s harsh comments about Zidane, a three-time Champions League winner as Real Madrid manager, hit a nerve.

France star Kylian Mbappé wrote on Twitter that “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend in that way.”

La Real issued an official statement in defense of Zidane, referring to him as ‘one of the greatest legends in world sport’ and demanding an ‘immediate rectification’.

Kylian Mbappe disagreed with the FFF president’s comments and stated that ‘Zidane is France’

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera demanded an apology for Le Graet’s “shameful lack of respect”.

In response, Le Graet said: “I would like to apologize for these comments, which in no way reflect my views or my regard for the player he was and the manager he has become.”

“I gave an interview to [French radio station] RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.

I admit I made some awkward comments that created a misunderstanding.

Despite his regret, Le Graet is struggling to hold on to his post, especially as Macron is apparently already sounding out his successor.