French federation back Blanc in racism row

"The federal council renews its entire confidence in Laurent Blanc," FFF president Fernand Duchaussoy told a news conference at the federation's headquarters.

Blanc attended a meeting in November at which members of the federation discussed the idea of enforcing limits on black and Arab players in youth academies.

"The federal council has taken note that no discrimination was ever put in place," Duchaussoy added.

"The federal council asks (the president, the general director) to study the possibility of starting disciplinary proceedings against employees who failed in their duty," Duchaussoy said.

Blaquart used the word 'quotas' in the meeting but Blanc has said he also made comments which could "offend some sensibilities."

The watchdog would "investigate, study and analyse all forms of discrimination within French football."