He refused to shake the hand of South Africa counterpart Carlos Alberto Parreira following the host nation's 2-1 victory at the Free State Stadium.

Domenech did not give a reason, but the Brazilian was baffled at his behaviour.

Parreira said: "I was very polite at the end of the game but he claimed I had offended him. I cannot for the life of me understand why.

"One of his assistants said I had commented on Thierry Henry's handball and that France should not be in the finals. But I do not recall making these remarks."

Goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela in yesterday's Group A match gave Bafana Bafana the points, although they too are out of the tournament.

After stripping Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra of the captaincy - the result of the squad boycotting a training session - Domenech saw his side reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off.

Although Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda stepped off the bench to pull a goal back in the second half, France are returning to Paris today.

Malouda said sorry to the supporters for the events which hampered their tournament and sees them heading home .

The 30-year-old told French television: "Our behaviour wasn't exemplary. I want to apologise to the fans on behalf of the players."

Former France defender Laurent Blanc is now set to take over from Domenech and bid to revive Les Bleus' fortunes.

Domenech said: "Good luck to my successor and the French team. I wish them all the best. I will be their number one fan."

It is also the end of the road for Parreira, with the governing body about to appoint a South African coach.

South Africa were only eliminated on goal difference with Uruguay and Mexico going through from Group A.

Parreira has been delighted with the side's progress under his stewardship.

He said: "If we had some luck we would be in the last 16. We could have scored more goals but this is not failure, only disappointment.

"I have to thank the players for their work and commitment in the last seven months. What they have done is unbelievable."