France ban all 23 World Cup players for their next game

Following their World Cup self-destruction, the French Football Federation has suspended all 23 members of France’s World Cup squad for their next game.

Laurent Blanc, recently appointed France coach, had requested that no member of the squad be selected for their upcoming friendly match with Norway.

France are 12/1 to win Euro 2012, but it looks like they will have to tread a rather rocky path to Poland and Ukraine, the joint hosts of the next European Championships.

Les Bleus’ campaign in South Africa was marred by Nicolas Anelka’s row with coach Raymond Domenech, the forward’s subsequent suspension and the squad’s refusal to train.

The captain at the time, Patrice Evra, was thought to have instigated a player-led coup in the French camp, though none of these rebels will be able to represent France until they face Belarus in a Euro 2012 qualifier in September.

France are 1/2 to qualify for the European Championships as the winners of their qualifying group, Group D, which also includes Romania and Bosnia among others.

“I obviously cannot act as if nothing had happened in South Africa,” said Blanc. “I followed the events with sadness, I was disappointed with the sporting results and I was shocked by certain behaviours.”

The former Bordeaux boss added: “I will integrate these elements into my analysis and my thoughts. I always had the principles, rules of conduct and not just in my sporting life. They have not changed and I will not change.”

Who do you think will win Euro 2012? Holland are 7/1 contenders. See the full Euro 2012 market.