Valérie Fourneyron, the French sports minister, has called for football games to be played to mark the famous 1914 Christmas truce that took place in 'no-mans land' during World War One.

UEFA has backed the idea and suggested that the games should be played as part of the 100th anniversary commemoration of the conflict.

The minister is calling on other EU countries to use the football matches as a way to recognise the bond of brotherhood the soldiers showed during that first Christmas at war when games of football were played on the battlefield.

Valérie Fourneyron said that the Belgian government would stage the games, with Ypres being one possible location, the games are scheduled to take place in December 2014.

Blog submitted by: Alex at The French Property Network - Cle France.