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Domenech comes under renewed pressure

Pa
Tuesday 15 December 2009 12:19 GMT
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Domenech has been heavily criticised during his time as France manager
Domenech has been heavily criticised during his time as France manager (REUTERS)

Guy Chambily, a member of the French Football Federation's federal council, has called for national coach Raymond Domenech to be removed from his post.

Domenech has come under fire from several quarters in France despite leading Les Bleus to next summer's World Cup.

Since his appointment after Euro 2004, Domenech has twice been given a vote of confidence by the FFF, including in October this year following a disappointing qualifying campaign for South Africa.

A controversial victory over the Republic of Ireland in last month's play-off hardly helped Domenech's cause, and Chambily believes the coach has now run out of lifelines.

"I have two goals," the 77-year-old said in an interview with France Football.

"The departure of Raymond Domenech from his position as coach and the protection of (FFF president) Jean-Pierre Escalettes, a really good man who I know has been affected, even traumatised, by this situation we find ourselves in.

"But the image of the France team, that of the federation, the president and the federal board have become totally farcical. I know the majority don't want to keep Domenech any more.

"Bit by bit, all those loyal to Escalettes have believed everything they've been told, but at some point they have to know how to say stop.

"I am certain that they are in favour of the eviction of Domenech."

Chambily is also surprised Domenech has been given the chance to lead France at the World Cup, as he understood the coach's deal would end after the qualifying campaign.

"His contract was for World Cup qualification," Chambily added. "That was his mission.

"They assure me today that, since he's qualified the France team, he will automatically lead them during the finals.

"That's news to me. The federal council certainly didn't know about that clause."

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