France coach Laurent Blanc says he will not punish those players who rebelled in South Africa against sacked coach Raymond Domenech.

However he did not rule out changes to Les Bleus following a catastrophic display at the World Cup after coming last in their group.

“Some players who were in South Africa will not be chosen if I decide they are not the best in their position,” said Blanc, who has signed a two-year deal.

“But I shall select them if I think they are the best available.”

Blanc won the World Cup in French colours in 1998 and Euro 2000 in perhaps the best spell in the nation’s football history.

And he has now been tasked with managing the side to try to restore their glory years following a slump in form and stature in the last ten years.

Various issues and controversies in South Africa, which ultimately led to their disastrous showing, led French Football Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes to resign, while head of state Nicolas Sarkozy pledged to personally lead an investigation into the affair.

But world football authority Fifa has threatened to suspend France if its government interferes in the running of the national side.

Meanwhile, Blanc’s former defensive partner Lilian Thuram has demanded that captain Patrice Evra must never play for France again following his role in the players’ revolt.

Although Blanc said he was “outraged” by the actions of the players in South Africa, he maintained the squad will only be chosen on ability.

“I can’t act as if nothing happened in South Africa,” said the 44-year-old. “I followed the events with great sadness.

“I was disappointed by the results and I was particularly shocked by some behaviour.

“Those responsible are many but it’s not up to me to say if sanctions will be taken. My problem is to put together the best team with the best players. I won’t be the bogeyman.”

However, Blanc refused to rule out the possibility of discarding older players such as Thierry Henry, William Gallas or Sidney Govou.

“We could do it but you’d [the media] be the first to say that the France team is not winning,” he added.

“I’m here to win, it’s a delicate situation and a lot of discussion is needed.”

Blanc signed a two-year contract last Friday and will lead France through qualification for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

He also confirmed Henri Emile will return as team administrator, the post he had held from 1984 until Domenech’s appointment in 2004.

Jon Osterland