French football federation president Noël Le Graët has apologised for "clumsy remarks" he made about Zinedine Zidane's potential interest in coaching the national team, reports the BBC.
In an interview with French radio, 81-year-old Le Graët said he "wouldn't even have taken his call" if Zidane had been in touch.
Le Graët said on Monday the comments "do not reflect" his views.
France boss Didier Deschamps signed a new contract until 2026 on Saturday.
"I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become," Le Graët said.
"I gave an interview to [French radio station] RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.
"I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding."