French five in hot water

Yann M'Vila is reportedly among five France Under-21s who are set to face disciplinary action over a night out before the defeat to Norway.

The FFF issued a statement to confirm action was being taken against a group who enjoyed an unauthorised night out in Paris on Saturday, though it did not name the players involved.

L'Equipe reported Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila, Real Sociedad forward Antoine Griezmann and Ligue 1's second-highest scorer Wissam Ben Yedder, as well as Chris Mavinga and Mbaye Niang, were those involved.

"In derogation from the strict rules that are in force within the national teams, several players took the initiative to leave the group for a night out," said the statement on the FFF website.

"Given the seriousness of the offence and the harm to the image of the FFF and football, this behaviour will be subject to the scrutiny of the Federal Commission for Discipline. The players involved will be called in as soon as possible and will answer for their actions."

According to reports, the players travelled from the team's Normandy base to Paris by taxi, and did not return until dawn.

France lost the second leg of their European Championship qualifying play-off against Norway 5-3 for a 6-3 aggregate defeat, having been heavily favoured.

The scoreline could have been more lop-sided but for goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Griezmann in the last six minutes of Tuesday's defeat.

In the wake of that loss, coach Erick Mombaerts has left his post after talks with the FFF hierarchy.

A statement read: "The president of the Federation Francaise de Football, Noel Le Graet, and the selector of the France Espoirs (France Under-21) team, Erick Mombaerts, met this morning.

"Following this exchange and by mutual agreement, Erick Mombaerts will not continue his mission at the head of the France Espoirs team."

Mombaerts became under-21 coach in 2008, having previously managed Toulouse, Cannes and Guingamp.

Le Graet had previously hinted at Mombaerts' likely departure following the play-off defeat, telling radio station RTL: "A coach without results is always in danger. There will be discussions, and possibly changes."

Under-19 coach Francis Smerecki has been tipped as a candidate to replace Mombaerts, who will remain in a backroom role with the FFF.