France give FIFA Confederations Cup ultimatum
Posted: Friday December 18, 1998 12:57 PM
PARIS, France (Reuters) -- World champions France will not
take part in FIFA's controversial Confederations Cup in Mexico
next year if the dates are unsuitable.
The verdict is in world body FIFA president Sepp Blatter's
hands and a decision is expected in the first week of the New
Year, French Football Federation (FFF) president Claude Simonet
said on Friday.
"If the dates that we have said would suit us are not
accepted then France won't go," Simonet said after a meeting of
the FFF federal council.
The tournament involving champions of FIFA's confederations
and holders Brazil, originally scheduled for January 8-20, is
now due to take place from July 28 to August 8.
But Simonet told Blatter when they met in Rome in midweek
that the dates clashed with the start of France's 1999-2000
season.
He said he asked Blatter if the tournament could start on
July 10, otherwise France would have to pull out.
Blatter said he would consider the situation and make an
announcement in the first week of January.
France, invited as world champions to represent Europe,
pulled out of the tournament when it was due to be played in
January after leading European clubs said they would not release
their French internationals.
FIFA, with Mexico's agreement, then found the new dates. But
they are also not to France's liking and European champions
Germany could step in if the dates remain as they stand.
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