France play down claims Coupet walked out after row with Barthez

THE mood was tense at France’s World Cup training camp after reports of a dispute between number one goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and his reserve, Gregory Coupet.

A team spokesman played down media reports that Coupet had left the camp in the French Alps resort of Tignes with family and luggage on Wednesday before changing his mind and returning to the team hotel.

The spokesman said Coupet left the hotel briefly but denied reports he had decided to leave the team.