Popular opinoin will not decide Domenech´s fate: Escalettes

The future of France coach Raymond Domenech following their exit at the first hurdle of Euro 2008 will not be decided by either public opinion or the media declared the France Football Federation (FFF) president on Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre Escalettes said that he would consult with fellow members of the Federation's Federal Council ahead of their meeting on July 3 where 56-year-old Domenech's fate will be revealed.

However, Escalettes once again defended Domenech, despite France just garnering one point and scoring one goal albeit in the 'Group of Death', saying he stood full square behind the coach.

“In one's life there are contracts,” he told French radio.

“A responsible person is obliged to respect them.

“Raymond Domenech is the coach, he has a contract which runs till 2010, and a mission: to guide the French team to the 2010 World Cup finals.”

While Escalettes admitted one of the facets of Domenech's style that could be improved upon were his communication skills, he refused to concede outside forces would influence their final decision.

“I am here to take responsibility with my federal council,” said Escalettes.

“We will take those decisions, and we are aware of a section of public opinion.

“But we neither govern based on public opinion nor on that of the press.”