Raymond Domenech

Appointed in late December 2020, Domenech was removed from his position at FC Nantes after 46 days and seven Ligue 1 matches without a win, amid criticism of his relationship with players and the clarity of his instructions.

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The FFF dismissed Domenech for gross misconduct. He challenged his dismissal before an employment tribunal and claimed approximately €2.9 million. In August 2011, the parties reached a settlement of €975,000, ending the dispute.

When dismissing Domenech, the FFF accused him, among other things, of failing to inform the Federation president about the insults and altercation involving Nicolas Anelka before the affair became public.

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Alleged

At the height of the Knysna crisis, Domenech read the striking players' statement to the media after they refused to train. The FFF subsequently included the episode among the grounds alleged for dismissal for gross misconduct.

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Attribution

direct participation as coach reading players' statement

After France's elimination against South Africa, Domenech refused to shake hands with opposing manager Carlos Alberto Parreira. The FFF also cited this episode among the grounds for dismissal for gross misconduct.

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After Thierry Henry's unpunished handball preceding the goal that qualified France for the World Cup, Domenech acknowledged the refereeing error but refused to characterise the incident as cheating warranting an apology or a replay.

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Attribution

direct public response as France coach

France were eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2008. Domenech's squad management, sporting record and communication faced widespread public criticism.

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Minutes after France's elimination, Domenech used his television interview to propose marriage to Estelle Denis, prompting controversy over the disconnect between his communication and the sporting situation.

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UEFA sanctioned Domenech following accusatory comments about Italian football. On appeal, the one-match suspension was upheld while the financial penalty was removed.

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The relationship between Domenech and journalist Estelle Denis prompted controversy over privileged access to the France team. Le Monde notably reported an SFR arrangement involving an exclusive interview and reported payments, irritating sections of the press.

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Reported by the press

Domenech openly acknowledged his interest in astrology and explained that he might use it as a tiebreaker when two players appeared to him to be of comparable ability, prompting controversy over the rationality of his selection criteria.

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Robert Pirès sharply criticised Raymond Domenech, citing a lack of trust and a tense atmosphere surrounding the national team. The episode became one of the first public disputes of the manager's tenure.

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