• World Cup

Protesting France players refuse to train

The crisis enveloping the France squad is deepening as the players refused to train on Sunday in protest at the decision to send Nicolas Anelka home.

A member of the France coaching staff has walked out while team director Jean-Louis Valentin has resigned, saying he is "sickened and disgusted".

The players have released a statement which read: "The French Football Federation did not at any time try to protect the group. They took a decision uniquely based on facts reported by the press. As a consequence and to show our opposition to the decision taken by officials of the federation, all the players decided not to take part in today's training session."

The statement was read out by coach Raymond Domenech.

Just 24 hours after Anelka was sent home in disgrace after launching a tirade of abuse at Domenech at half-time in the defeat to Mexico, captain Patrice Evra was involved in a heated row with fitness coach Robert Duverne.

Evra was furious after someone from within the France camp leaked the Anelka story to L'Equipe, with the striker telling Domenech "go screw yourself, dirty son of a whore". It is speculated that Evra was trying to find out who the mole was.

On arriving at the training ground, the squad had left the bus to chat to supporters - but Evra and Domenech stayed on board. When they did finally leave the bus Evra confronted Duverne.

Domenech stepped in to try and break up the row, but Duverne stormed off the training pitch and threw his accreditation badge to the ground. Evra then handed a letter to the France press manager, and France squad got back on the team coach and drew the curtains, refusing to take part in the scheduled training session.

France team director Jean-Louis Valentin confirmed the stories, saying he was "ashamed" by the behaviour of the players. Valentin has quit his job as the head of the France team and will now fly home.

"It's a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It's a scandal for the federation and the French team," Valentin said. "They don't want to train. It's unacceptable.

"As for me, it's over. I'm leaving the federation. I'm sickened and disgusted."

Valentin then got into a car and drove off.

Domenech, who will be replaced by Laurent Blanc ahead of the European Championship qualifiers which begin later this year, has completely lost control of the France squad with a series of high profile fall-outs in recent months.

France can still, mathematically at least, qualify for the second round with victory over hosts South Africa in Tuesday's group decider, but a draw between Uruguay and Mexico would eliminate the 1998 winners. France's desire to score a goal, let alone win a match, must now be in serious doubt.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.