Marseille thank federation for Flamini stance

MARSEILLE president Christophe Bouchet has thanked the French football federation (FFF) for refusing to deliver a letter of release for Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

The 20-year-old has been in conflict with the Mediterranean giants since announcing in July that he was joining the Gunners instead of signing a professional deal with OM.

Bouchet and coach Jose Anigo immediately tried to block Flamini’s departure to England and lodged a complaint with the LFP, the body that runs the professional game in France, who refused to authorise the move.