Bayern refuse to release Ribery

Bayern refuse to release Ribery

Published Aug. 9, 2010 12:50 p.m. ET

Bayern Munich will not release Franck Ribery, who has been summoned to Paris for a hearing with the French Football Federation on Tuesday.

Ribery is one of several players reportedly ordered to meet with FFF officials in the French capital to explain what happened at the World Cup.

However, Bayern have insisted they will not let Ribery leave.

"It is not on that the French Federation randomly remove Franck Ribery from his responsibilities with FC Bayern," said Bayern's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in a press release.

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"The preparations for the new Bundesliga season have priority over the World Cup debriefing of the French Federation."

Bayern claim that Ribery's invitation, or "summons" has "not been made in agreement with FC Bayern."

"According to FIFA statutes, clubs must only release their players for fixed dates as laid out by the international football calendar, and that is not the case here," continued the statement.

"For this reason, FC Bayern Munich will not release Frank Ribery for this hearing."

Ribery made his first appearance in a Bayern shirt this season during a friendly match at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, when he scored two goals.

He is likely to be fit for the start of the Bundsliga season on August 20 after recovering from a groin operation, but Bayern are keen for him not to miss any scheduled training sessions on his road to recovery.

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