Claude Makelele might not play for France in the Euro 2008 Qualifiers after all. Despite the player's statement yesterday that he will please Domenech by coming back among the Bleus, Chelsea is fighting the French Football Federation very hard so their midfielder would not be forced into playing for his country.

Makelele announced his retirement from international football as soon as the World Cup ended, but France's coach doesn't admit it. More, when being blamed by Chelsea's Jose Mourinho for trying to force Makelele into comeback, Domenech stated: "I did not read anywhere that Makelele officially retired from international football".

Still, according to the latest reports in English media, the Chelsea player did send a fax to the French Football Federation, announcing his retirement, on the 22nd of August. That was 2 days BEFORE Domenech announced the squad for France's 2 qualifying matches.

Asked to give their opinion on the matter, FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren agrees with Chelsea and assured the English side that, if announcing his retirement, Makelele would not face a 2-matches ban from the international body.

"The general situation is that any player is free to decide that he is not playing for his national team. There is no FIFA rule to prevent any player stopping his international career, that's up to him. The one thing that has to be considered is that the intention to leave a national team, or put an end to an international career, needs to be communicated prior to a specific summons", said Herren.

If FIFA will officially agree with Chelsea's point of view, Makelele will not be forced into playing for France anymore. The player himself told the media that playing for his national team will make him more tired during the upcoming season.