Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has refused to apologise to France coach Raymond Domenech for his halftime tirade during their defeat to Mexico.

Anelka's stay in South Africa was cut short on Saturday when he was disciplined by the French Football Federation after reports of his dressing-room bust-up were leaked to the media.

The 31-year-old was offered the opportunity to say sorry but refused and France officials were left with no alternative but to dismiss him from the squad.

Anelka reportedly exploded in a foul-mouthed tirade after Domenech criticised him for straying out of position during the goalless first half of their 2-0 Group A defeat to Mexico on Thursday.

He was subsequently substituted before the start of the second half but Domenech said the incident had been blown out of proportion and Anelka could have remained with the team had he shown the necessary contrition.