France - This just gets better and better...

France coach Raymond Domenech has said some of his players may refuse to face South Africa on Tuesday because of Nicolas Anelka's expulsion from the squad. The Chelsea striker was sent home for verbally abusing Domenech during last week's 2-0 defeat by Mexico. When asked whether some of his squad may not play against the hosts, the coach said: "It is a possibility". 

Domenech said his players acted like imbeciles by protesting Nicolas Anelka's expulsion from the team by refusing to train just two days before the match that decides their World Cup future.  "I tried to convince them that what they were doing was an aberration, an imbecility, a stupidity without name," Domenech said Monday.

The players' strike was in protest at Anelka's expulsion.  

Patrice Evra's role as captain could be over after only five games, with Domenech refusing to confirm him as his leader after the defender initiated the player walkout.

"I haven't picked the team yet, we will see tomorrow," Domenech said, adding of the players that "they've expended a lot of energy. It's sad." When Domenech was asked if some players had told him they do not want to play the game, he answered evasively.  "It is a possibility that we will finalize [things] tonight with the staff to see what team we put in place," he said.

Evra was furious at the French Football Federation's decision to send Anelka home late Saturday, amid claims from the players that the FFF denied Anelka a chance to give his side of the story at a news conference.

Don't you just love the French...!