Simonet leads French fury over FIFA friendly tactics

French football chief Claude Simonet has attacked FIFA over its plans to force the French and Australian teams to revise their squads for an 11th November friendly in Melbourne.

FIFA say they are prepred to enforce a "strong recommendation" that the coaches involved - Australia's Frank Farina and Frenchman Roger Lemerre - choose only one player from any club.

"The international federation (FIFA) which organises the World Cup must decide if they are looking after the interests of some clubs, or the 204 federations which take part in the World Cup," said Simonet.

"Our main worry is for players' health," said Simonetas he confirmed reports that the FFF was to use aprivate plane for the 23-hour flight to Melbourne in two weeks.

Arsenal have led a group of 11 European clubs - including Leeds United, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea - to ask FIFA to stop the French team using a full squad of stars in midseason for the long trip to and from Australia.

The clubs argue the match is an insignificant friendly but Australia are furious.

Farina's team faces a South American side a week after their game with France at the start of a two-leg play-off to reach the 2002 World Cup finals. They have said they will defy any recommendation from FIFA which could force the world governing body to take further measures steps to satisy the demands of powerful clubs.