Barthez to miss Ireland-France clash

France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is set to miss the World Cup qualifier against Ireland as he has had his ban for spitting extended until December 31, the French Football Federation (FFF) have announced.

The veteran custodian could return to football as early as October 15 if he complies with a programme to help amateur football set up by the FFF but this is still too late for him to face Ireland.

Ireland play France on September 7.

The increased ban was imposed by the FFF’s Appeals Committee after the original penalty of a six-month ban with three months suspended was fiercely criticised.

He has been punished for the events during a friendly between his club Marseille and Wydad Casablanca in February when he spat in the direction of referee Abdelah El-Achiri.

At the start of the month, France coach Raymond Domenech admitted that an extended ban could prompt Barthez to end his illustrious career.

He said: “A six-month suspension, at 33, for a player who has never suffered any disciplinary problems in his career is like a life sentence.”