Jose Mourinho has accused France coach Raymond Domenech of treating Claude Makelele like a slave after refusing to accept the Chelsea midfielder's international retirement.

Former Real Madrid player Makelele faces a four-game domestic suspension if he fails to report for France's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy next month.

Makelele informed the French Football Federation of his intention to quit the international scene after playing for France in the World Cup final last month.

But Domenech and the FFF have so far refused to accept the decision, and Mourinho claims that the French are now restricting the player's human rights by threatening him with a club ban.

The Chelsea manager said: "Pavel Nedved, Paul Scholes, Luis Figo have all retired from international football. With the Czechs, England and Portugal it is OK, but France? They don't have liberty."

"It is unbelievable. Makelele is not a footballer, he is a slave.

"He has played the biggest game any footballer can play by playing in the World Cup final for France and he now wants to retire from international football.

"But their coach has told us, very objectively, that if he cannot play for France he will be suspended for Chelsea.

"He has written to the Federation and told them that he does not want (him) to play. France play Georgia and Italy in the qualifiers and if he doesn't play in those two games, he will be suspended for four games for Chelsea. That's the law."

Domenech, who is known for being difficult with the press and unforgiving with certain players, had said after he announced Makelele in his Euro 2008 qualifier squad in midweek that a call-up shold not be questioned.

"You don't come to play for France if you're not sure about it. You come to play if you want to, and if the coach picks you," said Domenech.

And in an apparent jibe at Makelele, he added: "It's inconceivable that you refuse a call-up if you're still playing at a big club."

The scenario has left Makelele unsure over his next move.

But Mourinho said: "He is a slave. He has no human rights, no right to choice or liberty, so he is a slave. But the rules are there, so what can we do?"

Later Sunday, Chelsea issued a statement revealing they would be appealing to the French Football Federation in an effort to resolve the situation.

The statement on the club website, www.chelseafc.com, read: "Chelsea Football Club will be making further representations to the French Football Federation, after discussions with Claude Makelele, regarding his desire to retire from international football.

"Chelsea FC believes that a player should have the freedom to choose about his own international career, especially in the case of Claude who has served his country at the highest level and with distinction for several years.

"This view was expressed to the French national coach Raymond Domenech in a meeting last week at our training ground. We understand the letter of the law is very clear on this subject, and the ramifications for Claude and Chelsea if he is called up but does not play.

"We would like to stress that this is not a club versus country issue, we are not seeking conflict with the FFF.

"This issue is about supporting the wishes of one of our players whose past commitment to his country cannot be called into question."

Source: China Daily