Zidane, a French World Cup winner in 1998, who has since become the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row with Real Madrid, was one of the favourites to take charge if Didier Deschamps had stepped down as France head coach after the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Speaking about Zidane after confirmation that Deschamps would continue as head coach at least until 2026, Le Graët told RMC: “I would be surprised if he went there (to Brazil).

"But he does what he wants, that's none of my business. […]

"Would it hurt my heart for him to go there?

"Me, I have nothing to shake.

"He can go where he wants!

"He can go where he wants, in a big club, a selection, I hardly believe it as far as he is concerned.

"If Zidane tried to reach me?

"Certainly not, I wouldn't even have taken him on the phone."

He was also reported as saying: "Who can make serious reproaches to Deschamps?

"Nobody.

"He [Zidane] does what he wants; it’s none of my business.

"I’ve never met him, we’ve never considered parting with Didier."

Le Graët has now apologised, saying: "These awkward remarks created a misunderstanding.

"I would like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become."

Mbappé was one of the first to voice his disapproval after Le Graët’s comments were aired, tweeting: "Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that."

The French Sports Minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, tweeted, ominously: "Yet more out of touch comments and on top of that a shameful lack of respect, which offends us all, to a legend of football and sport."

She added: "A 'President' of the first sports federation in France should not say that.

"Apologies for this too much word about Z.Zidane please."

A Real Madrid statement added: "Real regrets these unfortunate statements against one of the greatest legends of sport.

"It’s a lack of respect."