French minister doesn't want FIFA World Cup rebels back: Report
PARIS: French Sports Minister Chantal Jouanno has reportedly said that the players responsible for the World Cup strike should never play again for the national team.
According to L'Equipe newspaper, Jouanno said it is "unacceptable" that the players who led a training session boycott in South Africa last summer will be called back.
"I can't understand that some people are hinting that the players who led the revolt in South Africa could be reintegrated back into the team," Jouanno was quoted as saying. "Regardless of their qualities, to bring them back would be unacceptable."
The players boycotted training in protest at Nicolas Anelka being sent home from the tournament by team management after his profanity-laced tirade against then-coach Raymond Domenech during a 2-0 group loss to Mexico.
France failed to make it out of the group stage and was widely criticized at home over the conduct of its players.
Anelka was subsequently suspended for 18 matches by the French football federation. Former captain Patrice Evra (five games), Franck Ribery (three games) and Jeremy Toulalan (one game) were also banned for their part in the boycott.
Federation president Fernand Duchaussoy said earlier this week that Evra is now eligible to return to coach Laurent Blanc's team now that his ban has ended.
However, Jouanno says there are other players more worthy of representing France.
"You can't put France to shame and claim to play for France again," Jouanno said. "There are values and the French federation should defend them. I have nothing against Evra, but as a France player - and above all as the captain - he didn't defend the values of sport. It would be a huge mistake to forget what happened.
"I'm convinced that there are other talented players who didn't dirty France and who are waiting to be given their chance."
Blanc is expected to announce his squad on Thursday for next month's friendly against Brazil.
According to L'Equipe newspaper, Jouanno said it is "unacceptable" that the players who led a training session boycott in South Africa last summer will be called back.
"I can't understand that some people are hinting that the players who led the revolt in South Africa could be reintegrated back into the team," Jouanno was quoted as saying. "Regardless of their qualities, to bring them back would be unacceptable."
The players boycotted training in protest at Nicolas Anelka being sent home from the tournament by team management after his profanity-laced tirade against then-coach Raymond Domenech during a 2-0 group loss to Mexico.
France failed to make it out of the group stage and was widely criticized at home over the conduct of its players.
Anelka was subsequently suspended for 18 matches by the French football federation. Former captain Patrice Evra (five games), Franck Ribery (three games) and Jeremy Toulalan (one game) were also banned for their part in the boycott.
Federation president Fernand Duchaussoy said earlier this week that Evra is now eligible to return to coach Laurent Blanc's team now that his ban has ended.
However, Jouanno says there are other players more worthy of representing France.
"You can't put France to shame and claim to play for France again," Jouanno said. "There are values and the French federation should defend them. I have nothing against Evra, but as a France player - and above all as the captain - he didn't defend the values of sport. It would be a huge mistake to forget what happened.
"I'm convinced that there are other talented players who didn't dirty France and who are waiting to be given their chance."
Blanc is expected to announce his squad on Thursday for next month's friendly against Brazil.
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