Laurent Blanc

Blanc, the 44-year-old who helped France win the World Cup on home soil in 1998, replaced Raymond Domenech, whose contract ended after the team were sent packing.

His first task is to help France qualify for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine (France 4/9 to win qualifying Group D).

The former Bordeaux coach was appointed during a meeting of the French Football Federation (FFF) in Paris.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes formally handed in his resignation at the meeting, having said he would quit after the federation was blamed for the way it handled a player revolt in South Africa.

“I have decided to resign because it is my duty,” Escalettes told a news conference on Friday. “I accept my share of responsibility.”

“Raymond Domenech has humbly admitted that he had made mistakes and so have I,” said Escalettes.

The 75-year-old Escalettes and Domenech’s lack of authority were exposed when they failed to convince the players they should train at their base in Knysna, Western Cape.

“It was my responsibility to make the players get out of the coach and train and I failed,” Escalettes said.

“I felt humiliated. I am ashamed and I present my apologies to all those who loved and believed in that France team and to the whole world.”

“All my life I tried to give another image than the one I am leaving and I feel sad,” Escalettes said.

“My successor will have to draw the conclusions from what happened to make sure it never happens again.”

Nicknamed “The President” for his calm authority in his playing days, Blanc will initially be more respected than the controversial Domenech, if only for his far more impressive resume.

“I believe in Laurent Blanc and in the team he will come up with,” Escalettes said.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.