In an unprecedented episode perhaps not only in the history of the World Cup but in all memorable international competition, the French national team players have revolted against team trainers and officials at today’s training session. Lead by team captain Patrice Evra, the team walked off the field at their practice facility and on to the bus, leaving 200 or so observers stunned, the coaching staff and team officials brimming with fury, the team’s prospects abysmal and the nation of France embarrassed. One French Football Federation official resigned on the spot after expressing disgust with the players’ conduct. News of the development apparently reached President Sarkozy, who requested immediate reconciliation.
Internal Conflict: Nicolas Anelka was dismissed from France's World Cup team.
The players released a statement declaring solidarity with Nicolas Anelka, the team’s center forward, who was dismissed from the team two days ago for insulting team coach Raymond Domenech at half-time of the France-Mexico match, one that France went on to lose in the second half without Anelka on the pitch. The contentious exchange between Anelka and Domenech appeared on the front pages of French newspapers two days following the match, triggering even more distrust among the French players and officials about a dressing room incident that should not have been leaked. With Anelka gone and the team staring at elimination, the players’ combative mood spilled over and devolved into an act of defiance reflective of the team’s anger and frustration.
France captain Patrice Evra has taken a stand.
What comes next? At this point, the condition of the FFF is critical, not only in the present scenario but also for the near future. A number of players will “retire??? from the international game, refusing to play under the current conditions or the “Domenech??? people. In the immediate term, the players and coaches have less than 48 hours to mend matters sufficiently to field a team on Tuesday, yet it is unclear what the players want. Even if managing to exit the tournament with some dignity, the French national team requires revamping from the top of the federation on down. This is a shame for fans and for the game. A talented generation of talent in its prime was squandered, personality clashes at issue. To be continued.