Fifa awaits official France complaint before banning Anelka

FIFA has insisted it will wait for a complaint

Anelka had been threatened with a suspension lasting until November 25 after refusing to turn up for France’s friendly against Yugoslavia tonight. But while Fifa maintains that it can punish Anelka, it requires a French Football Federation complaint.

“Article 40 of our rules is very clear on this,” Fifa spokesman Nicholas Maingot in Zurich said yesterday. If he has refused to play for France, Anelka cannot play for his club during the time he should be on international duty.

“But we must receive a formal complaint from the French Football Federation, which we would have to examine before taking any action.

“As of (yesterday) afternoon, no formal complaint has been received yet, so there is nothing to act upon,” Maingot said.

Manchester City could have points deducted and face a heavy fine if Anelka plays in Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough, should he be declared ineligible to play.

“He would also be unable to play for the club for five days after the match, which means he cannot play for Manchester City until next Tuesday,” Maingot said.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have cited a different section of Fifa regulations. The Premiership club have pointed to article 38, section two of Fifa’s rules which state that a national association must notify a player’s club in writing at least 15 days before the date of an international match.