Sports minister Roselyne Bachelot rounded on France's players and told them they had tarnished the image of the nation.
The squad returned to training today after boycotting yesterday's session in protest at Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka being banished by the French Football Federation after his row with coach Raymond Domenech.
Acting on the instructions of France president Nicolas Sarkozy, Bachelot confronted the players and then held an impromptu media briefing at the Free Stadium.
She said: "I told the players they had tarnished the image of France. It is a morale disaster for French football.
"I told them they could no longer be heroes for our children. They have destroyed the dreams of their countrymen, their friends and supporters."
Bachelot confirmed an official investigation would be conducted after the tournament and added: "The government has to intervene as the reputation at France is at stake in this case."
France are in danger of making an early exit after taking one point from two games but Domenech backed the decision to expel Anelka.
He said: "The sanction is justified and I support the federation. Nobody should behave in such a way. High-level sportsmen have to lead by example."
Explaining why he had read out a statement last night on behalf of the players after they refused to train, Domenech said: "It was an aberration. We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.
"What I should have said at the end of the message was that I did not support this action.
"With the (FFF) president (Jean-Pierre Escalettes) and staff members we tried to convince them it was stupid. I disagreed with the document. What they were doing was unthinkable.
"We've wasted a lot of energy. There are no words to explain what has happened. I'm hoping for action now on the pitch, not off it."
Asked if some players might not want to play against hosts South Africa tomorrow, Domenech avoided the question and said: "I will pick the players who are mentally and physically in the best shape to win the game."
Domenech insists he will continue to run things his way, even though tomorrow could be his last match in charge with Laurent Blanc set to take over.
He said: "I am responsible for the team and tomorrow's game. I have always been in charge of the make up of the team. That is not in dispute.
"Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match. It is up to the players to realise the magnitude of what they have done.
"They have to play their hearts out to show what they can do and I think they will be extremely motivated to win the game tomorrow.
"People want performances not excuses. They have to show they love football and the French team."