Anelka's ban will not affect Man City

Nicolas Anelka has been banned for two matches by the French football federation, after refusing a late call-up to international duty.

The Manchester City forward turned down the chance to join the France squad for the recent friendly against Yugoslavia.

And on Friday he was found guilty of being in breech of federation guidelines.

The ban also applies at club level in France, but will not affect his availability for his Premieship employers.

It is thought the ban will be imposed immediately if he ever makes a return to French domestic football.

The 23-year-old striker, who has not played an international since April, was asked at the last minute to replace the injured Sidney Govou for the international match.

Anelka turned down the request, saying he felt France coach Jacques Santini did not really want him in the squad.

The FFF had asked City to suspend him in line with their ruling, but the request was refused.

The FA refused also to suspend him because the call-up was made at too short notice.

And world governing body Fifa ruled that Anelka should not be punished because the summons fell short of the mandatory 15-days notice before an international.