Vieira shocked by 'ethnic quota' claims

World Cup winner Patrick Vieira has declared himself shocked at reports that France boss Laurent Blanc and other coaches were seeking to introduce quotas limiting the presence of ethnic minority players in the national set-up.

French website Mediapart alleged last week that plans were made at a meeting last November – with Blanc present along with French Football Federation technical director Francois Blaquart, Under-21 coach Erick Mombaerts and Under-20 coach Francis Smerecki – to restrict the numbers of black players and those of north African origin entering national training centres and academies at the age of 12.