David Dein has written to Chelsea and other clubs as he looks to ensure the release of some of France's top players from a friendly in Australia.

The world and European champions are due to make the journey Down Under in November, and Arsenal vice-chairman Dein feels that FIFA should step in to ask the French Football Association to release certain players.

Dein said: "Clubs are paying huge wages to players and are entitled to have a say in what they do. Players like Vieira, Pires, Desailly and Barthez are vital for the clubs at that time of the year, what with European matches and the domestic competitions in full progress."

As well as Chelsea, Dein has written to the likes of Manchester United, Fulham, Real Madrid and Juventus for their thoughts on the situation.

He added: "Now we are talking about a 24-hour journey, which is madness. Under FIFA rules we have to release players for seven friendlies per year. But enough is enough.

If FIFA say no, we will flex our muscles, sit down as a group and see what action we could take."