1 Jul 2010

Nigerian president suspends national team for World Cup failure

6:08 am on 1 July 2010

World Cup shame has had swift political repercussions for the Nigerian team whose president Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the national team for two years because of their failure to reach the sceond round in South Africa.

While Nigeria lick their wounds, France has been consumed by a political inquest after their team finished bottom of their group.

Outgoing coach Raymond Domenech and former federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, who resigned over the scandal, have been summoned to appear before a parliamentary commission.

Escalettes said he had felt helpless against a players' revolt when they refused to train in support of striker Nicolas Anelka who was sent home for insulting coach Domenech.

FIFA's president Sepp Blatter has warned French politicians their meddling in the country's football business could lead to a suspension for the national team.