A request for a worldwide suspension for sacked West Bromwich Albion striker Nicolas Anelka has been turned down by FIFA, reports SkySports. Anelka was handed a five-match ban by the Football Association after the 35-year-old made the controversial 'quenelle' gesture in December.
On Thursday, FIFA confirmed it was 'not necessary' to enforce a global ban 'at the present stage, since there has been no International Transfer Certificate (ITC) request for the player and as a consequence he has not been transferred internationally'.
A FIFA spokesperson added: "If the situation arises that Nicolas Anelka is transferred internationally and the sanction has not been served entirely by that time, the FA might have to contact FIFA for an extension of the sanction to be pronounced.
"Should the player remain in the FA's jurisdiction, there will be no necessity to request any extension."
Anelka denied any racial or religious motivation and instead insisted his actions were meant as anti-establishment, but that did not prevent an FA charge of aggravated misconduct.
