William Gallas is unlikely to face any action from the English FA after allegedly threatening to 'score an own goal' if picked by Chelsea for their opening game of the season against Manchester City.
Chelsea's decision to issue a statement alleging Gallas had refused to play for the club on two occasions, 'hawked' himself around to the highest bidders and threatened to put the ball into his own net, has sent shockwaves throughout the sport in the last 24 hours.
The Blues also claimed Gallas had shown no respect to the club, coach Jose Mourinho and his team-mates after warning them he would get himself sent off or make deliberate mistakes if he was selected.
Gallas, who was sold to Arsenal on deadline day in the deal which saw England defender Ashley Cole move to Stamford Bridge, has since denied making the 'own goal' threat and said Chelsea were 'hiding behind false accusations'.
The allegations, if substantiated, would have put the French defender in line for a FA charge of bringing the game into disrepute.
But the FA were today playing down suggestions they would become involved in an issue that was difficult to prove either way.
Gallas is alleged to have made his threat in a meeting with Mourinho and in front of other witnesses and while Chelsea have made his threat public, the champions are not planning to supply the FA with any statements from individuals.
As far as the club are concerned they have said all they wish to on the matter and have noted the expected denial from Gallas.
Meanwhile, the row over France's decision to select Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele, after the player had announced his retirement from international duty, continues to rumble on.
Chelsea attacked France coach Raymond Domenech and defender Lilian Thuram yesterday for 'deliberately inflaming' an issue that was on its way to being resolved.
The pair attacked Mourinho's use of the word 'slave' as a metaphor to describe Makelele's situation and their comments brought a considered response from Chelsea who were hoping his retirement would be agreed after France's 2008 Euro qualifier against Italy tomorrow night.
But Domenech refused to confirm the game would be the 33-year-old's last appearance in a France shirt.
Although he was substituted after 58 minutes with an ankle injury in the 3-0 win over Georgia on Saturday, the France coach confirmed Makelele would play in the World Cup final rematch.
'There is at least one player who is sure to play on Wednesday,' said Domenech, referring to Makelele.
But when asked about the Chelsea player's future, he added: 'For the moment, there is the match against Italy. After that, we will see.
'The players who are available and who are playing at a high level are those who are up for selection. That will depend on my goodwill and my goodwill only.'
But French captain Patrick Vieira hinted that Makelele wants to continue playing for his country.
