Is Nicolas Anelka’s International Career Over?

Lol hadn't Anelka already announced his retirement from international football.

No, the day Anelka left South Africa his brother was quoted has saying he was probably done with the France National team. There hasn't been an official announcement or anything…

Daryl – As a France fan, I can say that you are in the majority opinion when you place the blame squarely on the FFF's shoulders. The President of the FFF has since resigned and his failure to dismiss Domenech has been widely criticized. Lets just say the FFF realize they are struggling to retain credibility. That said, the summer U19 win has helped buoyed their case that they arent a complete failure.

However, just because the FFF were a joke- it doesnt mean a bunch of adults (who were raised in this system) can behave in such a juvenile manner.

As an England fan- I would hope you could understand. For all the complaints about the amount of money spent to support the England team…at least they didn't a) get in public brawls with their own staff b) independently decide not to train (after not winning a single game) or c) score only a single goal the whole tournament. I don't say that to trivialize the England disaster, but it was a blip on the radar compared to the France explosion.

Also, Its important to recognize that Evra was also given punished not just for being the captain but also for getting into a physical fight with a member of the FFF staff.

How did Evra get away with only a 5 match ban.? If Ribery got a 3 match ban for just for being vice-captain, then surely Evra deserved a 10 match ban for being the captain as well as getting involved in physical fight.

Oh thanks, I just read that quote and assumed he retired.

It's a fkg disgrace that Abidal has gotten away with no ban. He was one of the worst ringleaders of this farce.

And I agree with Sarah completely.

Also, Ribery deserves a much stronger ban – frankly, I'd ban Ribery, Abidal, Anelka, Gallas and Evra for life. And it's tough for me to say that about Ribery because I've been a huge fan of his for years. But enuf is enuf. That Ribery or Evra or Abidal will play for the national team again is itself a disgrace–and not just because of their conduct in S.Africa, but because of their miserable performances throughout under Domenech. Yes, it's tough to perform well under such an incompetent fool but Zidane, Vieira, Makelele, Thuram all managed it — and in 2006 they wrested control of the team, showed leadership and took the team to the final.

None of the fools in S.Africa had that kind of character and ability to unify the entire team behind them.

The others (Toulalan, Gourcuff, the Arsenal kids, Lloris, etc.) merit punishment but deserve to come back into the team. They weren't the ringleaders.

Basically, before now he implied it to allow himself to save face should he be banned. Which is his typical strategy of avoiding responsibility and leaving…

La fierté et la Honte. His career is certainly over. However I think he deserves a more worthy retirement than this. Maybe after his ban he should be allowed a cap in a friendly match at home. Try to get him a goal or two. Similar to what England is doing for Beckham.

ahhh-I can hear the England fans now and as unreasonable as they frequently can be..in this instance they are probably right. Beckham has been a model player when it comes to the ENG team (since that unfortunate red card for kicking out in 98). Always respectful, always a leader and a consummate professional. Anelka is *not*. There is no comparison here. To ban a player for so long and then give him a “symbolic thank you”- what the hell are we thanking him for? Even Zidane didn't get that- that is just not the way of the French (Football Federation)…

I think the FFF are cutting their nose off to spite their face here. As has been mentioned Domenech being allowed to stay on was the true mistake. Banning players now won't help team harmony or 'fix' the problems but strikes me of scapegoating.

Did Blanc have a say/approve all these long term bans by the way?

re: The Beckham issue, I think the situation was handled badly by Capello, especially as (rightly or wrongly) he is under more scrutiny and pressure now than ever before. Our media can smell blood and are pouncing on his every word, so to treat someone like Beckham with what appears to be such casual disrespect won't go down well with a majority of the fans.

Head over heart says Beckham probably is too old. Beckham however is seen as one of the few who genuinely cares a great deal about his country/playing for England, and so when others put in such poor effort the argument to call him back rears it's head.

My opinion? Really the manager shouldn't have forcibly 'retired' him in the manner he did. He should have focused on the game instead of creating distractions, seen how Beckham does once he's back and fit (it was only 6 weeks ago he was saying he'll have Beckahm back for the qualifying games) and if he's clearly off the pace in October then have a quiet word about arranging a goodbye game.

Ha, I love how you said “French (Football Federation)”. Unfortunately your point is true. The French Government is a true example. They (We) take everything for granted. It comes back to hurt us sometimes (ALGERIA!!).