French throw down gauntlet to Arsenal
Arsenal's worst fears were realised today when four of their players were selected by France for this month's contentious friendly in Australia.
French coach Roger Lemerre ignored the requests of Arsenal, other top European clubs and FIFA and picked a full-strength squad for the game in Melbourne on 11 November.
As well as the Arsenal quartet of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira and Sylvain Wiltord, Lemerre has called up Chelsea's Emmanuel Petit and Marcel Desailly, plus Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and full-back Mikael Silvestre.
Although there are no Premiership matches which clash with the game in Australia, Arsenal had led protests from clubs who do not want their players to travel so far for a friendly. They argued that flying for 23 hours each way would leave the players jaded.
A number of England-based Australian players are also involved, including Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka, of Leeds.
FIFA initially suggested both countries select only one player from each club but later admitted they were unable to enforce those recommendations.
Arsenal will now decide what move to make next. If they refuse to let their players go, they will be in direct conflict with FIFA rules.
Lemerre said today: "We are permitted to pick our strongest team for eight friendlies every year - and this is our eighth friendly. I can choose whoever I want."
As world champions, France can command high fees for friendlies abroad and the French Federation is thought to be collecting £1 million for going to Australia. There will be additional television income but all the revenue is only guaranteed if they send their strongest possible squad.
Some players may be reluctant to go but, with the World Cup months away, they dare not risk upsetting Lemerre.
"Every time that I go to Arsenal I am treated well," Lemerre said. "I like it there and I don't want any diplomatic problem with them. But this is my team, my list of players. As for any concerns about injuries, then I can assure the clubs that the plane will be equipped with all necessary medical equipment if it is needed."
