French five called to explain World Cup fiasco

THE French Football Federation (FFF) has called five players to appear before its disciplinary committee to discuss the behaviour of the national team during the World Cup.

Eric Abidal, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan will appear at the hearing, with the remaining members of the 23-man squad excused from attending.

However, an FFF statement confirmed other squad members may be called before the committee “if deemed appropriate”. The date of the hearing has yet to be confirmed.

France’s World Cup campaign descended into farce after the squad went on strike after Chelsea striker Anelka was sent home from South Africa after an altercation with former coach Raymond Domenech.

Les Bleus also finished bottom of their group after scoring just one goal and earning one point in three matches. The fall-out from the team’s lamentable performance led to new coach Laurent Blanc suspending all 23 members of the World Cup squad from his selection for the friendly against Norway in Oslo next week, while the FFF also withheld bonuses owed to the players.

An FFF statement read: “The Federation Council ... has decided to enter to the Federal Disciplinary Commission the cases of the five following players because of their behaviour or functions within the group: Eric Abidal, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan.

“For other players, the Federal Council considers that the financial penalty ... as well as the non-selection for the game next Wednesday, August 11 against Norway, seem appropriate.

“However, the Federal Commission for Discipline (may) during these investigations, if deemed appropriate, bring other players before it.”