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.France coach Laurent Blanc was today absolved of any blame following the controversy surrounding limiting the presence of ethnic minority players in the national set-up.
It was recently claimed that plans were made at a meeting last November to restrict the numbers of black players and those of north African origin entering national training centres and academies at the age of 12.
Blanc was said to have been present, along with French Football Federation technical director Francois Blaquart, Under-21 coach Erick Mombaerts and Under-20 coach Francis Smerecki.
French sports minister Chantal Jouanno today said: "Laurent Blanc was present for the first time at this type of meeting. He wasn't organiser or pilot. He discovered the debate about quotas.
"He offered no opinions, unlike other participants at the meeting who were prepared for this debate.
"There is nothing to suggest that Laurent Blanc condones discriminatory guidelines."
According to Jouanno, no evidence has emerged to suggest France's 2001 discrimination laws have been breached.
"There is no need to go to court," she said.
The French Football Federation were this afternoon poised to announce their own findings.
Blaquart was suspended from his post at the end of April, and Jouanno stressed it was for the FFF to decide whether he should be reinstated.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments