Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has accused William Gallas of showing a lack of respect to him and his team-mates. The 28-year-old defender failed to report for pre-season training in Los Angeles on Monday and was consequently told not to join the rest of the squad.
"It's not only me that is upset - we're all upset," said Mourinho.
"Everybody is upset because we had a strong family and a strong group and this has shown a lack of respect to everybody and I don't like that."
Gallas has one year left on his current deal and he told the club in May that he wanted to leave rather than sign a new contract.
His agent, Pierre Frelot, told BBC Sport that the player was delayed for personal reasons and his exertions at the World Cup.
But Chelsea issued a statement stating they will be considering what action to take against Gallas and a further sign of the rift came when the French international's number 13 shirt was given to new arrival Michael Ballack.
Ballack shows his number 13 shirt
"It is not possible for them to give Ballack the number 13 shirt without talking to William first," said Frelot.
German midfielder Ballack had requested the number 13 shirt in discussions when joining the club but was told Gallas held it and that it would not be taken away from the defender.
Frelot added: "William has been wearing that shirt for five years and it is the shirt he expects to be in.
"As far as we are concerned William's absence from training is still a misunderstanding.
"I am surprised they haven't waited to hear the explanation of the player in person first before releasing a statement and taking action against him."
Gallas, who has been linked with Italian side AC Milan, is expected to return to London on Friday from his holiday in Guadeloupe.
He has made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea in five years and has been offered a four-year contract.
Chelsea seem unwilling to sell Gallas and he now faces the prospect of seeing out the rest of his year on the sidelines at Stamford Bridge.
"He did not report and further action will now be considered by the club as a consequence," read a Chelsea statement on Tuesday.
"Gallas was due to join the team with the other Chelsea players who participated in the World Cup semi-finals and final.
"William requested extra time off following the World Cup but was informed he should still report to Los Angeles on the date previously agreed with him.
"Pre-season training and the tour is about building team spirit among our squad and extra leave is only granted for valid football-related reasons.
"Discussions between Chelsea and William about a new contract are already well documented and ongoing. He has one year left on his current contract."
Oh i didnt know that, I thought he was just a day or so late for their US tour because of his holiday that couldnt start till late due to getting to the WC final.
I'm always suspicious of people who talk of their football club as families. Sam Hammam used to do this down here, but he seems to have stopped doing it lately
aww, his having tantrums just cos his played out of position, if his unhappy they should just lt him leave, instead creating all this fuss.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' "The Power Of Dreams, Is The Impossible Dream, Is The Possible Dream"
Mind you, that's just one day. Gallas is just refusing to go back at all
