A ball hasn’t been kicked in the World Cup in Russia and yet the atmosphere in many of the dressing rooms is toxic.
From Argentina to Spain through to France and England, many have been involved in controversial instances in the lead up to the tournament.
There was surprise when Didier Deschamps released his list for Russia and Adrien Rabiot, one of the great pillars of French champions Paris Saint-Germain, was not among those summoned.
The player, who was among the reserves that could travel in case of a mishap among those selected, decided to write to the French Football Federation to let them know that he refused to be available to the coach.