French Minister Of Sport Angry That Patrice Evra & Franck Ribery Could Be Recalled To France Squad

Under no circumstances should Evra or Ribery represent France again, Minister of Sport Chantal Jouanno has stated.
The potential return of France stars Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery to the national squad has been greeted with derision from the country’s Minister of Sport, Chantal Jouanno, who has argued that the pair’s actions mean they should not be again considered for les Bleus.

Evra and Ribery were two of the players at the forefront of the infamous World Cup strike against coach Raymond Domenech in the summer and were subsequently banned by the FFF (French FA) from participating in several matches following an investigation.

With their bans cleared, coach Laurent Blanc appears ready to wipe the players’ slates clean. Evra is reportedly pre-selected for the forthcoming clash with Brazil, while Ribery is likely to have been in the squad had he not been injured.

Jouanno, a former karate champion, has launched an offensive against this decision.

“I don’t understand the suggestion that the leaders of the rebellion in South Africa can be reinstated,” she said, according to La Poste.

“Regardless of their qualities, to bring them back would be inadmissible. They cannot bring shame to France and then pretend play again for France.

“I have nothing against Evra, but as a player in the France team, and above all as the captain, he did not defend the values of sport and also those of the Republic. It would be a huge mistake to forget what happened.

“I'm sure there are other talents that have not messed France and waiting to be given a chance to write a new story.

“We must be inflexible on this issue... We can’t negotiate with our principles.”

France are due to meet Brazil on February 9, with Blanc naming his squad next Thursday.