They had a ridiculous amount of luck in 98 and just because Platini wasnt involved in the role at the time, it doesnt mean him and Blatter werent up to their usual games. (let me say the word allegedly here as well, as this is just heresay and guesswork on my part).
Receiving an under the counter $2 million payment from FIFA. Platini claims, albeit vaguely, it was for 'consultancy work' but investigaters allege it was an illegal pay off to get him to drop his challenge against Blatter for the FIFA presidency.
France's biggest corruption story was Bernard Tapei's Marseilles in the early 90s, they were found guilty of paying opponents to throw matches. France didn't need to do any of that in 98 and 2000, they were the best team in the world at the time with the worlds best player Zidane backed up with the likes of Desailly, Deschamps, Djorkaef, Makalele, Henry, Trezeguet, Viera, Lizarazu. Now that's a golden generation.
Welcome to the England board Kat