By Samindra Kunti
April 29 – President of the French Football Federation (FFF) Noël Le Graët (pictured), has claimed that EURO 2016 will be “extraordinary”, and that preparations are well advanced.
Le Graët is a French businessman, politician and football administrator. He was the vice-president of the FFF, the French Football Federation, from 2005 to 2011. In June 2011 he was elected as president.
“The stadiums are ready. Lyon is a little bit behind, but the stadium will be finished [on time],” said Le Graët in an interview with DNA.
“This organisation is extraordinary for French football. It is regrettable that the East and West, Strasbourg and Rennes, these two cities, were not considered to be candidates to improve their stadiums.
“Bringing 24 nations to our country for a month, with worldwide broadcasts, is very important for France in terms of image,” continued the 73-year-old.
“Teams are also followed by their supporters and sponsors. With the tourism, it will bring something economically. It’s good for France and it was also the time to have it. It will take almost a generation to return.”
Le Graët is also optimistic about the chances of ‘Les Bleus’ on home soil, but, at the same time, he remains realistic. “The French team is improving…Didier [Deschamps, the coach] had the wisdom to play a few youngsters, who have been satisfying. We play better, without being the world’s best, because you have to be careful to not embark on a euphoria that is not appropriate. In Europe, Germany remains on top of us and Spain, from time to time, too.”
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