Paris, 6 October (AKI) - An amateur football team in France made up of Muslims refused to play against another team on Sunday because of their name which included the word 'gay'.

"Sorry, but from the name of your team and in accordance with the principles of our team, a team of practising Muslims, we can not play against you. Our beliefs are far more important than a football match, once again sorry we have warned you so late," said an e-mail statement by the amateur club Creteil Bebel to the Paris Foot Gay club (PFG).

PFG quickly denounced the message, saying that their team is not only open to gay people, but also heterosexuals, blacks, and people from all religions.

"This team (Creteil Bebel) has simply refused to play against homosexuals. Remember that the Paris Foot Gay is not a communal club. It is open to all, heterosexuals, gays and anyone who is happy to fight together against prejudice and discrimination," said the statement.

"On our team we have blacks, whites, beurs (French citzens of North African origin) and people from all religions. It is symptomatic that the communal groupings of some clubs do not offend anyone, but the mere mention of the word "Gay" in the middle of football inspires contempt or fear," said the statement.

Meanwhile, the football association that organised the amateur tournament expressed its "astonishment" at Creteil Bebel's decision not to play and has summoned the team for possible sanctions.