French Football Federation president Noel le Graet is stepping down until an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and bullying within the organization is complete.
The French government began an audit in October after being made aware of the allegations, which the FFF denies.
Le Graet has previously faced allegations of sexual harassment, which he denies.
His decision to step down also comes after calls for him to resign over his comments on Zinedine Zidane.
Le Graet, 81, said he would not take a call from Zidane to become France coach until apologizing for his “awkward” remarks.
FFF ethics committee chairman Patrick Anton called on Le Graet to resign on Tuesday, while French striker Kylian Mbappe and sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera accused him of being disrespectful.
Le Graet took office in 2011 and was mandated to continue in his role until 2024.
A statement from the FFF said Le Graet had agreed with the body’s executive committee to stand down at an emergency meeting on Wednesday until the investigation is completed.
The results of the audit are expected by the end of this month.
The director general of the FFF, Florence Hardouin, was also suspended “as a precaution”.
The functions of Hardouin and Le Graet will be carried out by Philippe Diallo, deputy vice-president of the FFF, on an interim basis.
Oudéa-Castera, who called for the audit after an investigation into the FFF by So Foot magazine, called on the FFF’s executive committee to “take responsibility” during an interview with reporters on Monday.
