Zinedine Zidane's imminent appointment as France national team coach has triggered internal discord at the French Football Federation, with vice-president Jean-Michel Aulas publicly criticising the handling of the succession process. The federation is preparing for an official announcement on Tuesday 28 July, when federation president Philippe Diallo will unveil the new head coach following an extraordinary executive committee meeting.
Aulas expressed frustration that executive committee members learned details of the Tuesday gathering through newspaper reports rather than formal notification. In a message to fellow committee members, the Olympique Lyonnais president questioned the scheduling during the holiday period and highlighted what he viewed as a breach of democratic procedure. "It is not appropriate for the newspapers to know everything before we do," Aulas stated, emphasising his concern that a press conference announcement would precede proper internal deliberation. He flagged the irregular timing and insufficient notice as departures from established protocol within the federation.
Selection Process Under Scrutiny
The framework for appointing Les Bleus coach grants federation president Diallo the authority to select the final candidate, with ratification from the executive committee following as a formality. This structure has now drawn scrutiny, with Aulas arguing the process lacks transparency and proper coordination. His absence from in-person proceedings—citing the short notice and holiday scheduling—underscores broader frustration within the federation's leadership ranks.
Didier Deschamps ended his 12-year tenure as France manager in July 2024, leaving the position vacant after guiding the nation to World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022. Zidane, whose managerial achievements include three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, emerges as the frontrunner to restore French football's leadership structure.
As the federation moves toward its official announcement, the procedural objections raised by Aulas highlight tensions between institutional hierarchy and collaborative governance within French football's governing body. The appointment decision will reshape France's tactical direction heading into the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
