Report: Rabiot refuses to be among French World Cup reserves

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot has reportedly written to the French soccer federation and asked to be taken off the list of reserve players for the World Cup.

Rabiot was left out of France's 23-man World Cup squad last week and was instead named by coach Didier Deschamps in a list of standby players who could be called up in case of injury.

The biggest surprise in Deschamps' list came with the inclusion of Sevilla holding midfielder Steven Nzonzi, who was preferred to Rabiot. Deschamps is expected to address the issue later Wednesday.

When unveiling his list, Deschamps justified his decision to not include Rabiot because of the 23-year-old player's mediocre performance with the national team.

"Adrien's performances with France are not at the same level as those he delivered with PSG this season," Deschamps said.

Rabiot has made six appearances for France. According to L'Equipe newspaper, he took the decision to write to the federation alone and was disappointed not to receive more support from his club after Deschamps omitted him.

France, runner-up at the European Championship two years ago, opens its World Cup campaign against Australia on June 16. It meets Peru five days later and closes the group stage against Denmark on June 26.