Chelsea in appeal over Makelele
Chelsea are to hold top-level talks with the French Football Federation to try and persuade the governing body Claude Makelele should be allowed to retire from international football.
The midfielder, 33, who had a hand in the 2-0 victory against Blackburn, said he was bringing the curtain on his international career down after the World Cup.
However, France coach Raymond Domenech has refused to accept his decision and named him in his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy.
In a statement following the game at Ewood Park, the club said: “We will be making further representations to the French Football Federation, after discussions with Claude Makelele, regarding his desire to retire from international football.
“Chelsea believe that a player should have the freedom to choose about his own international career, especially in the case of Claude who has served his country at the highest level and with distinction for several years.
“This view was expressed to the French national coach Raymond Domenech in a meeting last week at our training ground.
“We understand the letter of the law is very clear on this subject, and the ramifications for Claude and Chelsea if he is called up but does not play.
“We would like to stress that this is not a club versus country issue, we are not seeking conflict with the FFF.
“This issue is about supporting the wishes of one of our players whose past commitment to his country cannot be called into question.”
Before the statement was released Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claimed on Sky Sports 1 that Makelele was being treated “like a slave”.
Later in his press conference the Chelsea boss added: “Makelele wants to retire but the coach does not allow him to retire.
“The law is clear. If he misses one game in the national team, he misses two games at Chelsea. If the national team does not accept he has retired, he has to play against Georgia and Italy. If he doesn’t, he gets a four-match suspension for Chelsea.
“In every country a player can retire… (Luis) Figo, Paul Scholes, (Pavel) Nedved. In the national team of France they do not know the word liberty.”
Chelsea bounced back at Ewood Park after a midweek defeat by Middlesbrough thanks to goals from Frank Lampard via the penalty spot in the 49th minute and substitute Didier Drogba with the clock ticking down.
However, the manner of their victory angered Blackburn manager Mark Hughes, who pointed an accusing finger at John Terry.
The England captain won a penalty off Andre Ooijer on his debut after Lampard had swung in a free-kick.
Hughes said: “The penalty decision was a big one and one the referee needs to get right. He has not got it right.
“When the referee looks at it again, he may change his mind. John Terry is aware Andre is closely marking him and knows the referee is looking at him and then decides to collapse his knees. He falls in a heap and that is what the referee has seen.
“Maybe in his mind is the directive they have had this year. But the penalty decision has totally changed the game from our point of view.”
Mourinho countered: “When we win you are happy, when you lose your are unhappy. I am like that as well. It was a penalty on Terry as the rules are very clear.”
