Federation condemns France players
The French Football Federation tonight condemned Les Bleus squad for refusing to train in the wake of the rumpus which saw striker Nicolas Anelka sent home and vowed to set up an investigation following the World Cup.
Less than 24 hours after Anelka was excluded by the FFF after rejecting an opportunity to apologise for his verbal attack on coach Raymond Domenech, the rest of the squad took matters into their own hands by refusing to train after Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne became involved in an argument.
A statement from the FFF said: "The French delegation and its president Jean-Pierre Escalettes have noted with dismay the refusal of the French players to participate in training. This action is an unacceptable consequence of the eviction of Nicolas Anelka which they feel is injustice."
The statement continued: "Contrary to what the players said, this sanction was taken following a long conversation with the person in the presence of the captain.
"The FFF, speaking through its president, apologise to the country for the unacceptable conduct of the players that our representing our country.
"A federal council shall be convened immediately on the completion of the French team's campaign to draw all the conclusions of the crisis that has been created."
Earlier in the day just a few minutes after taking the field for a training session at their Knysna base in South Africa, captain Evra and Duverne became involved in an argument. Domenech stepped in and Duverne stormed away as the players walked off and boarded the team bus.
The coach returned moments later to read a statement from the squad to the assembled media in which the players laid bare their criticism of the FFF top brass.
It read: "All players without exception want to declare their opposition to FFF decision to exclude Nicolas Anelka."
The players added they felt the FFF "had at no time tried to protect the squad." They did vow, however, "to do everything individually and collectively so that France regains its honour [against South Africa] on Tuesday".
