France suspends entire soccer roster

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PARIS, July 23 (UPI) -- The French national team soccer coach suspended the entire 23-player team the country sent to the World Cup ahead of a friendly match against Norway.

Laurent Blanc last month took over the French team after a World Cup showing in which the French scored one goal and failed to advance out of group play.

The French trip to South Africa was also marked by a players' refusal to practice after previous Coach Raymond Domenech sent striker Nicolas Anelka home after the coach and player had an altercation.

France is to go against Norway Aug. 11 in Oslo. Blanc is expected to announce his roster for the match the week before the match.

A statement on the French Football Federation Web site stated the group's council accepted Blanc's plan to suspend the entire 23-player roster.