The French government is seeking candidates to replace Renault SA's embattled boss Carlos Ghosn, sources said, as board members began to voice doubts about keeping him in office following his indictment in Japan for suspected misconduct.

At a meeting Thursday, Renault directors were briefed on an investigation by alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. that led to Ghosn's arrest last month. He was charged this week over his failure to declare ¥5 billion in deferred income he had arranged to receive.

Nissan fired Ghosn as chairman three days after his detention, but Renault has resisted pressure to dismiss him, as the scandal strains their carmaking alliance.