France risks FIFA ban

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has issued a warning to France’s government not to interfere with the affairs of the French Football Federation.

FIFA boss

On the day Blatter admitted he will consider goalline technology, he also addressed another World Cup controversy in the form of France’s debacle during the competition with a “clear and clean message.”

Les Bleus have become the subject of a government enquiry following an embarrassing exit from the tournament, where they failed to win a single game and finished bottom of Group A.

Their campaign was overshadowed by striker Nicolas Anelka being sent home after a bust-up with manager Raymond Domenech and the players refusing to train in protest.

Former captain Thierry Henry met with president Nicolas Sarkozy regarding the matter, and FFF president Jean Pierre Escalettes has announced he will step down.

Escalettes’ position was described by sports minister Roselyne Bachelot as “untenable” following her meeting with the French players over the fiasco, with her statement apparently in violation of Fifa rules.
The debate will continue with the news that both Domenech and Escalettes would come before a parliamentary commission of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Blatter has warned that the FFF could be suspended if France’s politicians are found to be having an impact on how the national team is run, with Fifa statutes banning any government interference.
“In France they have made an ‘affair d’etat’ with football, but football remains in the hands of the federation,” he said.
“French football can rely on Fifa in case of political interference even if it is at presidential level, it is a clear message.
“We will help the national association and if it cannot be solved by consultation then the only thing we have is to suspend the federation. “
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