Claude Simonet, president of the French Football Federation (FFF) between 1994 and 2005, has died at the age of 92, the FFF said on Wednesday.
Simonet was in office when the Franceas host of the 1998 World Cup, won the first world title in its history.
Before becoming manager, he had a career as an amateur player at Le Mans and Nantes.
French football is in mourning following the disappearance of 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁, former president of the FFF from 1994 to 2005.
The French Football Federation sends its most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/owSMDzrMJl— FFF (@FFF) March 15, 2023
“With the death of Claude Simonet, French football has lost a leader who marked the history of our sport, as he was our president when we were lucky enough to win the World Cup in 1998 (…) and then Euro 2000” , said the current coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, in a statement.
“He led the France team on the road to success. I will have great memories, immense happiness,” added Deschamps.
Simonet will be honored at the game between France and the Netherlands on March 24, as will Just Fontaine, a former French player who died earlier this month.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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