Embattled France coach pledges to stay amid opposition

PARIS (AP) — France coach Corinne Diacre says she is the victim of a smear campaign amid reports she could be replaced before the Women’s World Cup. Diacre faces opposition from several players. She says in a statement from her lawyer to The Associated Press that she has been shocked by the “violence” and “dishonesty” of what she perceives as an attempt to destabilize her. France captain Wendie Renard said last month she will skip this year’s Women’s World Cup because she’s unhappy with the team’s set up. Striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto and forward Kadidiatou Diani also announced they were putting their international careers on hold.