Paris: A member of the French Football Federation`s governing body, Guy Chambily, has called for national team coach Raymond Domenech to 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 Ireland thanks to the goal set up by Thierry Henry`s handball.
"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 Dec. 18," Chambily told a soccer magazine.
"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 July 13. and Oct. 15.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 19:41
