World Cup 2010: Fifa rejects France keeper request

Highlights - Uruguay 0-0 France

Fifa has rejected a request from France to replace injured goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso at the World Cup.

The Bordeaux keeper, 28, tore his left hamstring during training on Monday and is expected to be out for a month.

Players cannot be replaced once the tournament has begun but France had asked Fifa for special dispensation.

In a statement, Fifa revealed it had turned down the request as it "considered the situation not to be a case of force majeure."

They added that this was in line with Article 26.4 of the World Cup regulations.

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France coach Raymond Domenech had hoped to draft in 23-year-old Stephane Ruffier, who has never before featured for the national side, as a replacement for Carrasso, with the Monaco keeper having cut short his holiday in anticipation of a call-up.

Carrasso's injury should not affect France's first-choice side, with Lyon's Hugo Lloris the established number one.

However, it does leave them short of goalkeeping cover with Marseille's Steve Mandanda now the only other recognised keeper in their squad.

After drawing their opening game of the tournament 0-0 with Uruguay, France next face Mexico in Polokwane on Thursday before a final Group A encounter with hosts South Africa at Bloemfontein five days later.

World Cup guide - France