Corinne Diacre has been sacked as manager of the France women's national team following a public fallout with a number of high profile senior players.
Diacre claimed earlier this week she had been the subject of a "violent and dishonest" smear campaign after France captain Wendie Renard and teammates Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto announced they would not be representing their country at this summer's World Cup.
Renard, who is one of the most decorated players in the women's game, said she was stepping back from international duty "to preserve" her mental health, and also cited her lack of support for the “current system” as one of the key factors behind her decision.
Paris St-Germain striker Katoto, meanwhile, said she was "no longer in line with the management of the France team nor the values it promotes".
The French Football Federation (FFF) initally appeared to side with Diacre, who was appointed manager of the national side in 2017, noting that "no individual is above the institution which is the French team."
However the footballing body have pivoted on their stance, confirming on Thursday that Diacre had been dismissed from her post after the "fracture" between the 48-year-old and her players reached "a point of no return"
The significant instability surrounding the national team could hinder France's chances at this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, as well as next year's Olympics in Paris. It remains to be seen whether Diacre's dismissal alone will be enough to tempt Renard and her teammates to return to international duty.
Diacre's sacking also comes at a time when the FFF is embroiled in controversy after an investigation was launched into the footballing body's former chief, Noël Le Graët.
The 81-year-old, who was appointed president of the FFF in 2011, resigned last month after it was revealed allegations of “sexual and moral harassment” were made against him by a female sports agent.
Le Graët has been replaced in an interim role at the FFF by vice president Philippe Diallo, who will have the final say on Diacre's replacement.
