France coach Domenech: I have never resigned and never will

France national team boss Raymond Domenech has confirmed he will not quit his post despite plenty of criticism directed at him in the fall-out of their controversial World Cup qualification.

Les Bleus managed to qualify for South Africa 2010 under questionable circumstances which included an intentional handball by striker Thierry Henry during extra-time of the second leg of the play-off with Republic of Ireland.

Following the result, there were calls for Domenech to walk away from the job but he said things like this made him more determined to succeed and he will definitely not be resigning from his role.

"I have never resigned and I never will. The more I am under pressure, the more I am motivated," Domenech said in an interview published by French weekly L'Express

"People would think: 'What a chicken, he is fleeing'.

"Leaving now wouldn't make any sense. It would mean I've done my job and I don't give a damn about what happens next, it would prove my critics right. People must stop dreaming: I am not the kind of guy who gives up," he added.

Domenech also said that Henry had unfairly come under some harsh criticism for his role in getting France to the World Cup.

"Why do you want soccer to be a moral matter?" Domenech asked. "Of course, you must abide by the sport's rules but (soccer) is also a reflection of society. Highbrows say they are outraged but, as far as I know, Thierry did not commit a crime.”