French seeding appeal rejected

Fifa has rejected France’s appeal over the decision not to seed Les Bleus in the World Cup play-offs, according to reports.

Didier Deschamps’ side finished second in Group I, three points behind winners Spain, following a 3-0 win over Finland on Tuesday night.

That saw them book a two-legged play-off next month and means they may need to beat Portugal if they are to make next year’s World Cup finals.