 Claude Simonet insists there is no panic after Santini's announcement |
French officials have played down the impact of coach Jacques Santini's shock move to Tottenham after Euro 2004. Santini made the decision after the French Federation refused to extend his contract until after the competition.
"In professional sport every man is free to leave," said Federation president Claude Simonet.
"Mr Santini has obviously forgotten the clause in his contract which said we would extend his contract to 2006 if we had a good Euro 2004."
The announcement of Santini's departure came just 10 days before France's opening Euro 2004 clash against England.
However Federation vice-president Michel Platini said the players would not be seriously affected by the news.
"They're professionals with big clubs. They know what they have to do," he said.
Platini insisted France delayed the offer of a new contract to Santini after what happened to former coach Roger Lemerre.
Lemerre, who led France to glory in Euro 2000, signed a new deal just before the World Cup in 2002 but had to be paid off after a disastrous campaign.
"After what happened with Lemerre we couldn't afford to take another risk," said Platini.
"But I wish Santini good luck."
MMIX
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