• Cantona told Guardian Deschamps may have left out players on racial grounds • France coach’s lawyer describes statements as ‘slanderous and defamatory’

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Didier Deschamps will file a legal complaint against Eric Cantona after his former France team-mate controversially suggested the squad selection for Euro 2016 may have been racially motivated, Deschamps’ lawyer said on Friday.

Eric Cantona believes Didier Deschamps may have left out France players on racial grounds Read more

The two men, who played 34 times together for France, have a history of animosity since the mid-1990s when Deschamps replaced Cantona as France’s captain, going on to lead the team to World Cup and European Championship successes in 1998 and 2000.

In an interview with the Guardian, Cantona questioned the motives of omitting the striker Karim Benzema and forward Hatem Ben Arfa, both of north African origin, from the final squad of 23.

Cantona described Ben Arfa as arguably the best player in France and Benzema as a “great player” and drew attention to the fact that “they have some origins”. He added: “I am allowed to think about that.”

Noël Le Graët, the head of the French Football Federation, immediately described the comments as “ridiculous”.

Deschamps’ lawyer, Carlos Brusa, told French sports daily L’Équipe and news channel BFMTV that he was launching proceedings against Cantona to penalise “the unacceptable slanderous and defamatory statements that harm Mr Deschamps’ integrity”.

Eric Cantona: ‘I love José Mourinho but he is not Manchester United’ Read more

Despite Cantona’s claims, the 23-member squad includes a mix of players from various ethnic origins. Deschamps this week also called up Adil Rami, who is of Moroccan origin, to replace the injured centre-half Raphaël Varane.

Benzema was not picked after his ban for his involvement in an alleged blackmail scandal was upheld by the FFF in April. Ben Arfa is among eight reserves that could be called up for the tournament if a player among the 23 gets injured.

Cantona, who is known for his controversial outbursts, once described Deschamps negatively as “the water carrier” suggesting that his sole role was to pass the ball to better players.

The former Manchester United player was dropped from the national team in 1995 after being suspended from football for eight months for launching a kung-fu style kick and punching a fan who had shouted abuse at him from the stands. He never played for France again.