Source: Daily_Mail
France boss Laurent Blanc set to learn fate over alleged racist remarks
ShareLaurent Blanc can expect a quick decision on his future as France coach after appearing at a hearing on Monday into alleged racist remarks.[LNB] The country's sports minister, Chantal Jouanno, has called a press conference for Tuesday morning to deliver her findings on whether Blanc took part in an apparent attempt to introduce training academy quotas for young players with dual nationality, many of them black or Arab. [LNB]The former Manchester United defender flew from Bordeaux to Paris to appear as the final witness in inquiries being held by the French Football Federation and the sports ministry. [LNB] Inquiry: Laurent Blanc attended a hearing into his alleged remarks on Monday[LNB]Jouanno has previously described discriminatory quotas, targeting dual-national players, as 'totally illegal' and will now rule on whether Blanc was trying to set up such a system.[LNB] The probes were ordered after news site Mediapart reported that Blanc, FFF technical director Francois Blaquart, Under 21 coach Erick Mombaerts and Under 20 coach Francis Smerecki discussed, at a November meeting, how to deal with gifted young dual-nationality players who go on to represent other countries. [LNB]According to Mediapart's transcript, Blaquart suggested that an unspoken 'sort of quota' could be introduced to limit their numbers in training academies.[LNB] Backing: Blanc (top row, second left) was defended by his World Cup 1998-winning team-mate and France icon Zinedine Zidane (top left)[LNB] Blanc was quoted as saying that 'it bothers me enormously' when players who turn out for France at youth level later 'go to play for North African or African teams. That has to be limited.' [LNB]Jouanno has defended Blanc, saying he is not a racist. She also has said he is 'devastated' and 'very demoralised' by the controversy. [LNB]There was more support for Blanc from his 1998 World Cup team-mate Zinedine Zidane, who told sports newspaper L'Equipe that Blanc is not a racist and should keep his job.[LNB] Blanc has acknowledged some of the language used at the meeting was 'ambiguous' and has apologised 'if I have offended some people's sensibilities.' He also said the debate 'was obviously not aimed at reducing the number of blacks and Arabs in French football.' [LNB] World Cup winner Vieira hits out at French coach Blanc over 'racist' stormRoux wades in to France race row by pointing finger at FIFAFrance coach Blanc caught in race row after technical director suspended[LNB] Explore more:People: Zinedine Zidane Places: Paris, France Organisations: French Football Federation
