PARIS (AP) – Jean-Pierre Escalette, former president of the French Football Federation, has died. He was 90 years old.
The federation confirmed his death in a statement on Tuesday. No further details were disclosed.
“Jean-Pierre Escalette dedicated his life to our sport and contributed to it with passion, humanity and loyalty,” the FFF said, adding: “We send our heartfelt and warmest thoughts to his family (and) loved ones.”
Mr. Escalette served as president from 2005 to 2010. During his tenure, Escalette played a key role in helping France reach the 2006 World Cup final under coach Raymond Domenech and secure the right to host the 2016 European Championship.
However, after France were eliminated from the group stage at Euro 2008 without a win, he was criticized for keeping Domenech in place. Domenech continued to work despite his poor performance at Euro 2008, and upset fans by proposing to his girlfriend live on television shortly after France lost to Italy and were eliminated from the competition.
France were winless at the 2010 World Cup and left after the group stage of the South African tournament.
During the tournament, there was a public conflict between the team and team management. At one point, French players boycotted a training session to protest forward Nicolas Anelka’s removal from the squad. Images of French players on strike caused an uproar in France, with politicians criticizing the players.
“I’m embarrassed and I apologize to the French football community,” Escalette said at the time.
A former English teacher, Escalet also contributed to the development of amateur soccer in France. ___
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