Sports minister Roselyne Bachelot has told France's World Cup players they are no longer heroes in the eyes of children.

FRANCE coach Raymond Domenech insisted last night the decision to send Nicolas Anelka home was the correct one.

France striker Nicolas Anelka has been sent home from the World Cup after after refusing to apologise for his half-time rant at coach Raymond Domenech.

By Ian Moriarty

LANCE ARMSTRONG, pictured, insists he is not bothered by being “particularly monitored” by anti-doping controls at the Tour de France.

France today reported its first two cases of swine flu, while another is still to be confirmed.

France’s health minister said today she is working on a Bill which would prevent under-18s drinking in bars or buying alcohol at supermarkets.

The French ban on smoking in cafes and other public places which starts tomorrow will be a “revolution” for the country, the health minister said today.

French Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot wants cycling to crack down harder on doping cheats after this year’s tainted Tour de France.

FRANCE'S Atlantic coast could be swamped with oil from the sunken tanker Prestige within days after high winds tore up an oil slick out at sea, authorities said yesterday.