FIFA enters the row over French leave

FIFA is preparing to intervene in the row between top English clubs and France coach Roger Lemerre.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are refusing to release their internationals for France's friendly against Australia on November 11, while Lemerre insists he must be allowed to take his strongest available squad to Melbourne.

FIFA media officer Andreas Herren said:'We are keeping a close watch on the situation. My colleagues in the legal department are looking at the matter.

'The match is still two months away so there is ample time.' Australia coach Frank Farina, desperate for his side to play a competitive friendly match before their World Cup qualifying play-off against a South American country, yesterday backed Lemerre.

Farina asked: 'Just who is running world football, the clubs or FIFA? This is developing into a real power play and something has to give. 'Clubs are trying to flex their muscles and it's important FIFA does the same thing in response. It can't let itself be pushed around.'

Soccer Australia chairman Ian Knop added:'We expect France to honour a contract which we have signed in good faith. We feel it is unfair of Arsenal to try to dictate to the French FA who they should pick.'