It's a nonsense to suggest - as some do - that only Englishmen can manage England, only Frenchmen can manage France and so on.

Former coaches include two ex France coaches: Gérard Houllier (1982-85) managed France between July 1992 and November 1993, and Roger Lemerre (second half of the 1996-97 season, then as assistant coach 1997-98), who managed France between July 1998 and July 2002.

Born in Épinay-sur-Seine, Rabésandratana was brought up at AS Nancy's youth ranks, being promoted to the first team at age 18 by coach Aimé Jacquet, who would later manage France.

A new division - southern Europe - will be headed by Philippe Bichon, SCO's marketing director for France, will manage the Spanish, Portuguese and Italian markets, as well as France.