Ben Arfa turns down Tunisia

Hatem Ben Arfa has turned down an invitation to join Tunisia's World Cup squad.

The French-born teenager was invited to join up with the Tunisia squad for training next week as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.

Ben Arfa has played for France's Under-21s and he told the Tunisian football federation he wants to continue playing for France.

"He said he did not feel he was ready for international level (soccer) and wanted to continue playing for France," said Tunisian football federation president Hammouda Ben Ammar.  

"He did not feel that the 2006 World Cup was his time.

"But Ben Arfa, after a conversation with his (club) coach Gerard Houllier, has left the door open for Tunisia in the coming years because the rules allow him to make a choice before the age of 21.

"He said the call-up from Tunisia had given him enormous pleasure but that it was too premature for him."