With Nicolas Anelka’s West Brom career coming to a sudden close, his battle with English soccer isn’t over yet.
The Football Association, the English governing body, is hoping that he will serve his ban no matter where he ends up next.
The 35-year-old was slapped with a five-match ban following an in-depth investigation into his “quenelle” goal celebration on December 28.
Anelka and West Brom both played the “you’re fired/no I quit” game just two days ago in a feisty end to their relationship, but Anelka is still technically tied to the Baggies until the transfer window.
With the likelihood that Anelka will find a new employer outside of English soccer, the FA is reportedly expected to ask FIFA to extend their five-match ban to the entirety of worldwide soccer, along with the accompanying fine and education requirements.
West Brom take on Swansea next weekend, but with Anelka’s contract terminated his five-match ban at the moment would not begin until he is under contract with a new English club.
However, if FIFA accept the FA’s appeal, the ban would be extended to any new contract Anelka signs across the board.
According to BT Sport, the worldwide body is expected to accept, however if they do not the FA could withhold Anelka’s registration, preventing him from transferring abroad.
