Paris - France defender William Gallas is refusing to speak to the media at the World Cup.

The Arsenal player was due to meet reporters at the French press center in Knysna on Tuesday but chose not to come.

Team spokesman Francois Manardo says "William has decided not to speak to the media for the duration of the World Cup," without elaborating.

Gallas is set to start against Uruguay in France's opening World Cup game on Friday.

Some French media have speculated that Gallas is angry at Domenech's decision to make Patrice Evra captain now that former leader Thierry Henry is on the bench.