French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has criticised Karim Benzema for accusing France coach Didier Deschamps of giving in to pressure from racists by leaving the Real Madrid striker out of his squad for Euro 2016.
Le Graet and Deschamps took the decision to omit Benzema, 28, after he was charged with conspiracy to blackmail as part of an investigation into an alleged effort to extort money from his France teammate Mathieu Valbuena.
Benzema told Marca this week that by not including him he felt Deschamps had "bowed to the pressure of a racist part of France." Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Le Graet, 74, was clearly surprised by the former Lyon forward's remarks and their timing.
"I like him a lot," Le Graet said.
"I haven't changed my thinking because there's an article in a newspaper.
"What I took from it is that he likes the French team and wants to come back.
"He let himself go a little [with his comments]. I would have preferred that he might be more pleasant in relation to his friends, who are in preparation [for Euro 2016] and want to do well."
Le Graet said he would not be responding any further on the subject and urged people to focus on the 23 players who will be representing France in next month's competition.
"For me this affair is completely finished," he said.
"I'd like us to stop talking about this little difference of opinion.
"Benzema is not suspended for life. We're going to do without him during Euro 2016 and afterwards we'll see."