Nicolas Anelka looks certain to escape a threatened suspension following his refusal to play for France, it emerged today.
The Manchester City striker was called up at short notice for Les Bleus' friendly against Yugoslavia tomorrow but has refused to turn out.
The French Football Federation (FFF) had called on both the Football Association and FIFA to enforce a two-match ban but that looks unlikely after it emerged today that the French authorities had themselves failed to give both Anelka and his club enough notice before calling him up.
France coach Jacques Santini has given up on trying to change Nicolas Anelkas mind.
Santini said: "I have two main feelings on the matter. The first is incomprehension and the second is huge disappointment.
"I held back on my comments yesterday because I still hoped he would come, but he didn't contact us any further. I am not going to try and discuss things with him, my priority is tomorrow's game."
PA