French football players questioned by Federation

Five French football players who boycotted a final training session during the World Cup have been summoned to a hearing by the disciplinary commission of the French Football Federation today.

Reuters

The players more or less willingly chose to strike at one of the final training sessions ahead of the last group match with hosts South Africa, to protest the expulsion of one of their players. Striker Nicolas Anelka was expulsed after he insulted coach Raymond Domenech at half-time in the match with Mexico.

Only World Cup captain Patrice Evra, Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who was responsible for wording a statement about the strike, and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal are expected to show up at the hearing.

Anelka was not likely to appear, and Vice-captain Franck Ribery’s club Bayern Munich refused to release him.

The former deputy managing director of the FFF, Jean-Louis Valentin, is expected to testify, among others.

"We are slowly emerging from an episode that must never be repeated," said Valentin, as he arrived at FFF headquarters Tuesday morning. "I await more an acceptance of their responsibilities than punishment. I will simply tell the truth."

The commission is expected to announce their findings either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning.