French federation boss to quit after WCup fiasco

French football federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes will quit later this week following what he called the "fiasco" of France's World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Escalettes said Monday he will submit his resignation at a meeting of the federation's federal council on Friday.

France was eliminated at the group stage in South Africa for the second consecutive major tournament under coach Raymond Domenech.

Along with the dismal results, there were also open conflicts between the squad and team management. France players boycotted a training session in protest at Nicolas Anelka's exclusion from the squad following an expletive-filled tirade directed at Domenech.

"My decision is mainly dictated by the desire to preserve and facilitate the evolution of an instituton that I have served with passion for decades," Escalettes said in a statement. "I accept my share of the responsibility..."

Escalettes is scheduled to appear before France's National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, for questioning on Wednesday about the World Cup debacle - a sign of how seriously France's politicians are taking the matter.

Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot earlier said she felt Escalettes' resignation was "inevitable," prompting FIFA to warn France it won't hesitate to suspend the country in case of government interference with the team.

France President Nicolas Sarkozy as also vowed to personally investigate the squad's meltdown.

France lost two and drew the other of its three matches at the World Cup, and finished last in Group A.