Former French soccer president Jean-Pierre Escalettes dies at age 90

PARIS — Jean-Pierre Escalettes, whose five-year presidency of the French Football Federation encompassed a World Cup final appearance and the securing of a European Championship on home soil, has died at 90, the federation confirmed Tuesday.

The FFF paid tribute to the former English teacher who, it said, “dedicated his entire life to our sport, which he served with passion, humanity, and loyalty,” extending “its sincerest and warmest thoughts to his family (and) loved ones.”

Escalettes led French football from 2005-2010, a span that began with the euphoria of the 2006 World Cup final under coach Raymond Domenech and ended amid the turmoil of a player revolt at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His tenure also featured the successful bid to stage Euro 2016, a legacy that will see the tournament return to France more than half a century after the nation first hosted it in 1960.

Yet the same coach who took Les Bleus to the Berlin final was retained after a winless group-stage exit at Euro 2008, a decision that drew heavy criticism. The tournament was further soured by Domenech’s on-air marriage proposal moments after defeat to Italy sealed France’s elimination.

Two years later, discord erupted again when the squad boycotted training in support of striker Nicolas Anelka, dismissed for a dressing-room clash. Images of the mutiny provoked national outrage and political condemnation. “I am ashamed, and I present my apologies to the French football world,” Escalettes declared at the time.

Away from the senior spotlight, Escalettes championed the grassroots game, working to strengthen amateur football structures across the country. No further details surrounding his death were released.