French Federation Backs Zidane in Coaching Row

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The French Football Federation says it disagrees with a three-month coaching ban imposed on Zinedine Zidane, saying UEFA rules allow him to coach while studying for his coaching badge.

A Spanish judge on Monday banned Zidane from coaching Real Madrid's reserves following a complaint by Miguel Galan, the president of Spain's national training center for football coaches.

Galan said France's 1998 World Cup winner did not have the required qualifications.

But FFF President Noel Le Graet says "it's a pity for European football that an iconic player like Zidane, who is worldwide famous and has decided to take a course to earn his French coaching badge, cannot do his job like UEFA entitles him to."

Madrid, where Zidane played from 2001 until retiring in 2006, can appeal the judge's ruling.

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