SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

French government cleared of interference

FIFA have cleared the French government of interference in the national football team, after former coach Raymond Domenech was quizzed by politicians.

france_bench_L_GETTY_100626_950991920

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AFP


Skip to article content

FIFA have cleared the French government of interference in the national football team, after former coach Raymond Domenech and ex-president Jean-Pierre Escalettes were quizzed by politicians.

"I have no information claiming that what happened yesterday constituted governmental interference in our eyes," said FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot at his organisation's daily press briefing.

"FIFA will continue to follow this matter with all due attention."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Domenech and former French Football Federation (FFF) president Escalettes on Wednesday addressed a hearing of the National Assembly's Cultural Affairs commission, called to discuss the team's disastrous World Cup showing.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Tuesday warned the French government against any meddling in football affairs and said government interference could result in the FFF being suspended from FIFA.

Following France's elimination at the group phase in South Africa, Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot opined that Escalettes' resignation was "inevitable".

He announced his resignation on Monday.Maingot added that FIFA had been made aware of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's intention to withdraw Nigeria from international competition for two years after they, too, were knocked out at the World Cup group stage.

"I can confirm that we have been officially informed," he said, before adding that FIFA would study the case before deciding if sanctions were necessary.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world