France dismiss Blanc reports
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Federation chief Jean-Pierre Escalettes has rubbished reports that Laurent Blanc has agreed in principle to take over as France coach.
Speculation is rife that, following secret meetings with the federation, Blanc has agreed to succeed Raymond Domenech at the helm of Les Bleus.
However, France Football Federation (FFF) president Escalettes insists no such agreement exists with the Bordeaux boss, who is under contract with his club until 2011..
"It's completely false," he told RMC. "It's ridiculous. Of course I completely deny it.
"Absolutely nothing justifies this type of rumours. It seems absurd to me.
"I have to ask myself what they are looking for with these type of rumours. It's doing wrong to the France team."
Blanc himself has grown increasingly fed up with the constant questioning and the highly-rated coach announced at the beginning of the month that he will now remain tight-lipped on the matter for the rest of the campaign.
This is only Blanc's third season in management.
In his first campaign he steered Bordeaux to second spot in Ligue 1 before finally ending Lyon's stranglehold on the French title last year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments