In his first press conference since being named France’s new national team coach, Laurent Blanc said certain players could face sanctions for their role inthe strike that rocked the Bleus’ camp during their disastrous World Cup. “I clearly cannot act as if nothing had happened in South Africa,” he said. “I followed these events withgreat sadness. I was disappointed by the performance and disgusted by certain behavior.”
Striker Nicolas Anelka was expelled after insultingCoach Raymond Domenech at halftime of the Group A match against Mexico. In protest, the rest of the team refused to train two days later. The strike remain anational embarrassment, drawing criticism from President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Captain Patrice Evra,Franck Ribery, Eric Abidal and Anelka have been criticized for their behavior in South Africa. Blanc,who was known as “Le President” during his playing days and was most recently the coach of Bordeaux, hasn’t decided which players he’ll take to Norway for a friendly game on Aug. 11. Sanctionswould come from the French federation, not Blanc.