France’s sports minister says national team coach Laurent Blanc is not a racist, defending the man alleged to have discussed
with other coaches about whether to limit training for young players with dual nationality.
Chantal Jouanno says she has no reason, at the moment, to ask Blanc to resign. An inquiry is being conducted about the coaches’ alleged discussion that was recorded and leaked to an online subscription news site. Jouanno expects that probe to be concluded next week — after Blanc has been heard.
Jouanno says it would be illegal if quotas had been put in place to limit the number of players who could end up choosing to play for a country other than France. — Sapa-AP