French Federation backs Domenech

The French Football Federation (FFF) on Saturday backed coach Raymond Domenech, shoring up the position of a man decried by many fans after the squad only just crept into the World Cup finals.

“Thank you to Domenech, here present, as in June we would have been in a dreadful state had we not been there (at the World Cup),” said Fernand Duchaussoy, chairman of the amateur league (LFA), at a general assembly meeting.

FFF chairman Jean-Pierre Escalettes insinuated that Domenech had been unfairly targeted after France nudged Ireland out in the play-offs following Thierry Henry’s handball exploits in setting up William Gallas’ winner.

“They slaughtered Thierry Henry and the federation but their target was in fact someone else (Domenech),” asserted Escalettes.

But Domenech remains a controversial figure, who has already survived one vote of confidence following France’s poor showing at Euro 2008.

“There is a time for everything,” said French Professional League (LFP) chairman Frederic Thiriez, after another official, Guy Chambilly, had called for Domenech to go.

“The debate is over – this is the time for unconditional support for the French team,” Thiriez added, with the World Cup now looming.

Escalettes commented laconically that “everyone is free to voice an opinion”.

Domenech is regularly booed when he appears at league games and was in the line of fire once again when it was reported he had received an 826,222-euro bonus for leading the team to South Africa.

The FFF says the actual qualification bonus was only 220,000 euros, with the remainder comprising various match bonuses and image rights.

“The only question is what is the level of this team – good on Saturday then dreadful the following Wednesday (in the two games against the Irish),” Escalettes said.

“Qualification was chaotic but we will not be going to South Africa as victims. I believe in this team, its talented players and its staff.”