41.   However, French federation president Bernard Lapasset might yet refuse to release the players.

42.   Although the system flouted the amateur rules then in place the French federation closed its eyes to the practice.

43.   Argentina has withdrawn its bid and the French federation had not signalled a further interest, the IRB said.

44.   Berbizier was so upset at the plan that he refused to attend a cocktail party thrown by French federation president Bernard Lapasset recently.

45.   Jean-Marie Chadronnier, president of the French federation of wine and spirits exporters, said there were as yet no concrete signs of a downturn in exports.

46.   Nantes lodged a protest with the French federation over the incidents.

47.   Paille has a fortnight to appeal and only after this time can the French federation punish him.

48.   PSG have also had a helping hand from the French federation.

49.   Sella and the French federation have bitterly protested to this day that he was merely pushing an opponent away.

50.   The embargo against exports of British beef must not be removed, the French national bovine federation insisted on Wednesday.