Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka will be free to play against Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Saturday after the English FA turned down a request from their French counterparts to suspend him.
French officials called for action after Anelka refused to link up for his country's friendly clash with Yugoslavia tonight after being called into the squad as a late replacement over the weekend.
City immediately distanced themselves from their striker's move, fearing a suspension if they were seen to be involved.
PA
