SPORTS> Off the Pitch
Domenech vows suit against newspaper
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2006-06-01 11:42
France coach Raymond Domenech is planning legal action against a French newspaper that alleged he received a cash payment for a private interview to a cell phone firm and national team sponsor.

The newspaper, Le Journal du Dimanche, said on Sunday Domenech was paid 50,000 euros (US$64 195) for an interview offering comments about his squad selection only to subscribers of the SFR cell phone company.

Domenech on Tuesday denied ever having a contract with SFR and promised to sue the newspaper.

"I am under contract with the (French soccer) federation, which has sponsors," he said at France's Clairefontaine training camp ahead of yesterday's friendly with Denmark.

"I do not have, and never have had any personal contract with SFR," he said. "I will take legal action for defamation, for attacking my private life, whatever you want to call it."

Domenech angered the French press by refusing to hold a press conference after naming his World Cup squad on May 13. The following day, sports daily L'Equipe reported that he was to explain his squad selection to SFR users, and would later hold an Internet question and answer session.

"I am tired of all this negative stuff," Domenech said. "Let's put an end to this aberration. We are preparing a World Cup, not my hanging."

The newspaper also alleged that Domenech's SFR interview was conducted by his girlfriend, Estelle Denis, who presents a late-night Sunday soccer show and has a daughter, Victoire, with Domenech. The JDD newspaper alleged Denis received 10,000 euros.

On Sunday, FFF President Jean-Pierre Escalettes said Domenech would not work with SFR in any way during the tournament in Germany.