Date set for Domenech decision

French bosses to confirm coach's fate on 3rd July

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 18th June 2008

Date set for Domenech decision

Domenech: Set to discover fate

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The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that it will decide on 3rd July if Raymond Domenech will remain as France coach.

Les Bleus crashed out of Euro 2008 in the group stage after a 2-0 defeat by Italy on Tuesday, sparking calls for Domenech to resign.

The former Under 21 coach took charge of the senior team in 2004 and although he led them to the 2006 World Cup final, they claimed just one goal and one point to finish bottom of Group C at the Euros.

But the FFF insisted on Wednesday that they would not be rushed into deciding Domenech's fate.

"No rash decision on the future direction of the French team will be taken," read a statement on the FFF website.

Analysis

"It is necessary to take the time to analyse in the cold light of day the reasons and consequences of this elimination from Euro 2008 and to carry out a review of the work done over the last four years.

"President Jean-Pierre Escalettes will see Raymond Domenech at length. He will then submit his conclusions and proposals to the Federal council, whose next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 3."

However, Escalettes has revealed he would favour backing Domenech and honouring the 56-year-old's contract.

"In one's life there are contracts," he told French radio. "A responsible person is obliged to respect them.

Mission

"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."

The French media has criticised Domenech's communication skills, although Escalettes insists the FFF's verdict will not be driven by the media or public opinion.

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

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