FIFA have rallied to the support of France in the row over the call up of English-based players for their friendly with Australia in November.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have led calls for their French stars to be excused from international duty for the November 11 clash, which would otherwise rule them out of vital Premiership games.

However, FIFA have backed France in the dispute, with a leading official even threatening to impose a suspension on any player withdrawn from the French squad by their club.

"The clubs are obliged to release players for both qualifying matches and preparation games for official tournaments," he told The Sunday Telegraph.

"If they refuse, as far as I'm concerned, they should be banned from the next club game.

"The national teams have to be protected."

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has vowed to continue the fight to keep the likes of Patrick Vieira, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry at Highbury, with a petition - signed by the eleven other European clubs who will be affected by the call-ups - heading for FIFA headquarters in Zurich this week.