The 23-year-old Frenchman snubbed an international call-up for Wednesday's friendly against Yugoslavia after Lyon striker Sidney Govou withdrew through injury.
The French Football Federation could ask FIFA to apply Article 40 of the FIFA regulations, which states: "A player summoned by his national association can not play for his club during the time he would be on international duty, and if the player does not wish to comply with the summons, the restriction is extended for five more days."
A Fifa spokesman confirmed: "This restriction shall be prolonged for five days in the event that the player did not wish to or was unable to comply with the summons."
Anelka, who was unhappy at the manner of his call-up said "My call-up seems forced, not really wanted, as if I'm just a stop-gap. I need to feel really wanted in order to be able to give my best...and this is not possible if I feel the staff don't have confidence in me."
It would be a great boost in Boro's favour should he be missing on Saturday, but rules are rules and they shouldn't be broken. Something that we know only too weel at the Riverside.
The French Football Federation could ask FIFA to apply Article 40 of the FIFA regulations, which states: "A player summoned by his national association can not play for his club during the time he would be on international duty, and if the player does not wish to comply with the summons, the restriction is extended for five more days."
A Fifa spokesman confirmed: "This restriction shall be prolonged for five days in the event that the player did not wish to or was unable to comply with the summons."
Anelka, who was unhappy at the manner of his call-up said "My call-up seems forced, not really wanted, as if I'm just a stop-gap. I need to feel really wanted in order to be able to give my best...and this is not possible if I feel the staff don't have confidence in me."
It would be a great boost in Boro's favour should he be missing on Saturday, but rules are rules and they shouldn't be broken. Something that we know only too weel at the Riverside.