France coach Blanc to suspends entire World Cup squad

PARIS (BNO NEWS) — The France national football team’s newly appointed coach, Laurent Blanc, on Friday spoke with the country’s football federation to request that none of the players who participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup be called up for their upcoming match against Norway, the French Football Federation (FFF) said.

Blanc, who was part of the 1998 French national team that won the World Cup, is replacing Raymond Domenech. He presented his staff and sporting project to the Federal Council Friday, as they look to turn things around after a disastrous participation in South Africa.

Les Bleus were unable to win any of their World Cup matches last June, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Mexico and South Africa. In addition, the team decided to strike and failed to practice after Domenech expelled international striker Nicolas Anelka from the team, following heavy arguments with the former coach.

The star-studded team was the subject of strong criticism from the FFF and media around the world.

The council agreed with Blanc, and none of the 23 players will be called on to play in their friendly match against Norway, which is scheduled for August 11 in Oslo. Blanc said he will reveal the list of players selected for the match on August 5.

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