The 21-man Federal Committee voted to keep him in the job despite the team's poor performances at Euro 2008.

A lifeless goalless draw against Romania was followed by comprehensive defeats by Holland and Italy as Domenech's men limped out with just one point and one goal to their name.

France were billed as a team of ageing stars, past their best and still living on the glory of their World Cup and Euro success in 1998 and 2000, but that only told half the story.

In midfielder Franck Ribery they had one of the world's most exciting attacking talents, striker Karim Benzema was hotly tipped to set Austria and Switzerland alight, and William Gallas was in fine form at the heart of defence.

These talents were supported by the experienced Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele and despite having a number of players the wrong side of 30, there appeared to be a good balance.

Yet Domenech failed to ignite the potential of his young stars, nor inspire his more seasoned henchmen to perform.

The Euro 2008 disappointment was in sharp contrast to the start the 56-year-old made in the role.

Upon being appointed to succeed Jacques Santini in July 2004, Domenech was told by the FFF he must qualify for and then reach the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany - and he did not disappoint.

He even went one better by guiding France to the final, which surprised many, and were it not for the red mist descending on star player Zinedine Zidane, who was dismissed for headbutting Italy'sMarco Materazzi in extra-time, they might have won.

Les Bleus in contrast then stuttered through qualifying for Euro 2008, losing both home and away to Scotland, and had to rely on the Scots losing to Italy in the final round of matches to go through.

The FFF stuck by Domenech, however, choosing to reward him for securing qualification, but they must have been disappointed as they watched their nation come up way short in Group D.

Going through from the so-called "Group of Death" was never going to be easy, but their total capitulation was humiliating.

Perhaps Domenech knew his future was secure even before the 2-0 defeat to Italy which ensured France's premature exit, as instead of being in the depths of despair in his post-match interview, the Frenchman had other thoughts on his mind.

He turned up to his post-match press conference with a smile on his face, as if he was relieved that a mass of pressure had been lifted from his shoulders, and having just proposed to his girlfriend Estelle Denis live on national television.

It appeared that Domenech was confident he would be kept on as coach, and he already appeared to be planning for the 2010 campaign.

Instead of ruing the mistakes he made throughout the tournament, Domenech was positively gushing about his team and was upbeat about the future.

"Okay, this is why I am positive," he said. "I loved this match, I saw they were trying and weren't giving up. At some points, I loved them.

"I will say again, I think this team has a future with many talented players. In a competition, some lose, some win. But the beauty of sport allows losers to lose while showing something of themselves."

A saving grace for Domenech, a former defender with Paris St Germain and Bordeaux, was several France players publicly backing him to remain at the helm.

Ribery, Patrick Vieira and Henry all expressed their preference for unity, while the influential Michel Platini also backed the coach, praising his efforts in blending youth with experience and lamenting France's luck in the "Group of Death."

World Cup winner Didier Deschamps had been tipped to replace Domenech, and his chances had been talked up by fellow 1998 team-mates Zidane and Christophe Dugarry. Ex-Lyon and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier was also thought to favour the former midfield man.

However, the support of his current players may have proved decisive as the FFF decided to keep faith with Domenech, who will hope he can turn round his country's fortunes as qualification starts in September.