Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 25, 2006 11:27:44 GMT
Raymond Domenech has warned Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele he will face a two-match club ban if he fails to link up with France's squad for their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.
The 33-year-old has been included in Domenech's squad for games against Georgia and Italy next month, despite announcing his retirement after the World Cup final defeat to Italy.
The France coach is determined to have Makelele available for the opening games of their Group B campaign.
Under Fifa rules, any player who refuses an international call-up can be banned for two club games and Domenech says he will have no qualms about imposing the suspension.
Domenech has spoken with both Makelele and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and believes he is right to call up the former Real Madrid midfielder into his squad.
"We had a discussion (with Makelele) but I didn't ask for his opinion," Domenech said.
"For me it would be unthinkable to see a great player playing for a great club not playing for his national team.
"A player who refuses to accept a selection is liable to a two-match suspension.
"I had a discussion with Mourinho as I often do with the coaches of our international players but it was not a matter of reaching an agreement over Makelele.
"I told him where I stood, he told me where he stood. We still have the law for us."
The France Football Federation previously asked Nicolas Anelka to be banned for two Manchester City games after he turned down a call-up from Jaques Santini.
The ban was not upheld because Anelka had not been notified of his call-up in sufficient time.
The 33-year-old has been included in Domenech's squad for games against Georgia and Italy next month, despite announcing his retirement after the World Cup final defeat to Italy.
The France coach is determined to have Makelele available for the opening games of their Group B campaign.
Under Fifa rules, any player who refuses an international call-up can be banned for two club games and Domenech says he will have no qualms about imposing the suspension.
Domenech has spoken with both Makelele and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and believes he is right to call up the former Real Madrid midfielder into his squad.
"We had a discussion (with Makelele) but I didn't ask for his opinion," Domenech said.
"For me it would be unthinkable to see a great player playing for a great club not playing for his national team.
"A player who refuses to accept a selection is liable to a two-match suspension.
"I had a discussion with Mourinho as I often do with the coaches of our international players but it was not a matter of reaching an agreement over Makelele.
"I told him where I stood, he told me where he stood. We still have the law for us."
The France Football Federation previously asked Nicolas Anelka to be banned for two Manchester City games after he turned down a call-up from Jaques Santini.
The ban was not upheld because Anelka had not been notified of his call-up in sufficient time.