Calls grow in France for Domenech's dismissal

A member of the French Football Federation's governing body, has demanded that national team coach Raymond Domenech be replaced.

Domenech, who was appointed in 2004, has been under pressure because of France's poor performances during their World Cup qualifying campaign. France only secured their place by pipping the Republic of Ireland in a play-off thanks to the goal set up by Thierry Henry's handball.

The FFF's Guy Chambily said: "I wrote a letter to [FFF's chairman] Jean-Pierre Escalettes asking him to place the renewal of Domenech's contract on the agenda of the next meeting of the federal council on 18 December. I have two goals: the departure of Raymond Domenech and the protection of Jean-Pierre Escalettes, a very good man who I know has been affected, even traumatised, by the situation we find ourselves in.

"I know the majority of the council members don't want to keep Domenech. My only fear is that they beat a retreat for personal reasons," added the 77-year-old businessman.

"The FFF begged me not to raise the problem and Jean-Pierre Escalettes asked me to think about it twice, referring to the media outburst that my request will cause."

Domenech has twice been given a vote of confidence by a large majority of 18 and 19 members of the 21-man council on 13 July and 15 October.

St Etienne have sacked their coach, Alain Perrin, the club have confirmed. The former Portsmouth manager has been under considerable pressure following a poor run of results which has left the side lying 17th in Ligue 1.

A 3-0 defeat to Paris St Germain at the weekend proved the final straw for Perrin, who leaves after 13 months at the helm.

A short statement on the club's website said: "The coach of St Etienne, Alain Perrin, and fitness trainer Christian Jahan have been relieved of their duties from today."

Assistant coach Christophe Galtier will take charge of the team for the foreseeable future, the statement added. Perrin has also previously managed Marseilles, Sochaux and Lyons, who he led to league and cup success in the 2007-08 season.