Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff has told L'Equipe that Nabil Fekir initially chose to play for the African nation over France before changing his mind.
In an interview with L'Equipe on Tuesday, Lyon midfielder Fekir, 21, declared France coach Didier Deschamps had convinced him to opt to represent the country of his birth at international level.
He also admitted his family, who hail from Algeria, had hoped to see him play for the Fennecs. He was even called up by Gourcuff, 59, last week for upcoming friendlies with Oman and Qatar, but claimed he had phoned the former Lorient boss to tell him he had not yet made up his mind.
Gourcuff, however, insisted Fekir had told him he wanted to play for the north African country before deciding otherwise.
"I had called and left a message but not had a reply until Friday, around 13:30, when Nabil Fekir called me to tell me of his decision to wear the Algeria shirt," he said.
"It was the last day to make the pre-selection for the training camp in Qatar. As soon as Nabil had told me of his desire to join us, I contacted the president and then members of the federation to tell them of my discussion with Nabil and of his choice. All of that was for them to take into account the fact I was changing my list to include him.
"My calling him up was a result of his call. He did not call me to say he was hesitating. I cannot let him say that. That brings me into question even though we have never put any pressure whatsoever on the player and we have given him six months to make his decision.
"Three hours after his first call, he called me to say he had changed his mind. But I wish Nabil the best for his career and I consider the matter closed."
In light of speculation he had decided to represent Algeria at senior level, Fekir published a press release on Lyon's official website ahead of Sunday's 5-1 win at Montpellier -- in which he scored twice -- saying he had not yet made up his mind.