French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes will host a meeting next month to investigate the nation's dismal World Cup campaign.

France midfielder Lassana Diarra will miss the World Cup with a stomach problem.

Laurent Blanc is set to succeed Raymond Domenech as France coach after the World Cup, having confirmed his departure from Bordeaux today.

France coach Raymond Domenech will remain at the helm for the World Cup following a lengthy debate by the French football federation board today.

Former France coach Michel Hidalgo has claimed FIFA’s decision not to name France as one of the eight top seeds for next summer’s World Cup might have been punishment for Thierry Henry’s handball.

IRISH hopes of a re-staging of the controversial second leg of their World Cup play-off game against France were dashed last night when it became clear that the French Football Federation (FFF) see no basis for such a game to take place.

FORMER Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier — widely tipped for the vacant Ireland manager’s job last night reaffirmed his commitment to the France Football Federation after he was linked with the vacant Newcastle manager’s job.

THE Football Association and FIFA have insisted the punishment handed out to Marco Materazzi for insulting Zinedine Zidane does not set any new precedent.

DAMIEN DUFF last night gave Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr a headache he didn’t need in the shape of a knee injury as his squad assembled in Dublin ahead of next week’s World Cup clash with France.