Bordeaux's star whine
BORDEAUX are seeking compensation from Soccer Australia for the injury suffered by striker Christophe Dugarry.
The French international forward damaged knee ligaments during France's 1-1 friendly draw against Australia on Sunday.
Dugarry, 29, is expected to be out for at least two months following Aussie hardman Kevin Muscat’s challenge.
And Bordeaux owner Nicolas de Tavernost is demanding compensation for the loss of the influential Dugarry.
De Tavernost said: "This situation is scandalous and the clubs have only one right - that of payment.”
"It is unacceptable that we are left to cope with the unavailability of a key player after a game played in Australia, the other side of the world, and in a bad atmosphere.
"The French Football Federation must stand up to their rights with the Australian FA.
"As the club’s owner I want everything to be organised so that a case is lodged."
A host of clubs, led by Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, had condemned France’s trip to Australia, claiming it was unfair to send important players so far and risk injuries for a friendly.
And according to de Tavernost, Dugarry’s blow will make things even worse next time France need their players.
He added: "What happened to Dugarry will strengthen the belief of all the people who are against friendly games in far away lands.
"It will not encourage the clubs, who are already very reluctant to release their top players for matches of that kind. If France were to play another friendly in Australia I would urge my players to do a Steven Gerrard or Michael Owen and pull out to put their club before their country. I cannot see any club managers letting their players go to Australia for friendlies in the future, therefore this would make Australia in football terms fecked - as if they weren't already" he chuckled.
BORDEAUX are seeking compensation from Soccer Australia for the injury suffered by striker Christophe Dugarry.
The French international forward damaged knee ligaments during France's 1-1 friendly draw against Australia on Sunday.
Dugarry, 29, is expected to be out for at least two months following Aussie hardman Kevin Muscat’s challenge.
And Bordeaux owner Nicolas de Tavernost is demanding compensation for the loss of the influential Dugarry.
De Tavernost said: "This situation is scandalous and the clubs have only one right - that of payment.”
"It is unacceptable that we are left to cope with the unavailability of a key player after a game played in Australia, the other side of the world, and in a bad atmosphere.
"The French Football Federation must stand up to their rights with the Australian FA.
"As the club’s owner I want everything to be organised so that a case is lodged."
A host of clubs, led by Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, had condemned France’s trip to Australia, claiming it was unfair to send important players so far and risk injuries for a friendly.
And according to de Tavernost, Dugarry’s blow will make things even worse next time France need their players.
He added: "What happened to Dugarry will strengthen the belief of all the people who are against friendly games in far away lands.
"It will not encourage the clubs, who are already very reluctant to release their top players for matches of that kind. If France were to play another friendly in Australia I would urge my players to do a Steven Gerrard or Michael Owen and pull out to put their club before their country. I cannot see any club managers letting their players go to Australia for friendlies in the future, therefore this would make Australia in football terms fecked - as if they weren't already" he chuckled.