Tournament News
French team go on strike
2010-06-20 17:06
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Knysna - France team director Jean-Louis Valentin said the World Cup team is refusing to train following a dispute on the practice field.
Valentin also said he has resigned from the French football federation, saying he was fed up.
"It's a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It's a scandal for the federation and the French team," Valentin said. "They don't want to train. It's unacceptable.
"As for me, it's over. I'm leaving the federation. I'm sickened and disgusted," said Valentin, who walked away from the training field, got into a car and drove off.
The latest chaotic scene comes a day after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting coach Raymond Domenech, whose tactics and management skills have been called into question.
The team arrived at training Sunday, but a few minutes after taking the field fitness coach Robert Duverne stormed away from an argument with Domenech. Duverne threw his accreditation badge to the ground after a heated discussion and walked away.
The players then boarded the team bus.
In their first two matches at the World Cup, France drew 0-0 with Uruguay and then lost 2-0 to Mexico.