Paris, Mar 29: Striker Nicolas Anelka was omitted yesterday from the France squad for a friendly international against the Netherlands on March 31.
The temperamental Manchester City striker issued a public apology to coach Jacques Santini 10 days ago for snubbing a late call-up to the squad in November 2002 and had hoped this would be enough to earn his recall.
Anelka, who was dubbed France's most ineligible player by Santini, had said the coach would have to go down on his knees to get him back into the squad.
The door was left ajar for the 25-year-old after AJ Auxerre striker Djibril Cisse was handed a five-match ban by Uefa, ruling him out of France's defence of their European title in Portugal in June.
Anelka could have replaced regular starters David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry if either was injured. Santini picked strikers Steve Marlet of Olympique Marseille and Peguy Luyindula of Olympique Lyon for the Dutch friendly.


Anelka won the last of his 28 caps against Russia in April 2002 and has scored 21 goals this season.


Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira said last month he would like Anelka to be allowed back into the squad.

Bureau Report