Born in France · Nationality French — Sport / sports governance

Nicolas Anelka

Documented profile covering 10 controversies, including “'Quenelle' gesture: five-match suspension and £80,000 fine” and “West Brom dismisses him for gross misconduct following quenelle affair and unilateral departure announcement”.

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Profile No. 2410 · Updated on 12 October 2026

Portrait of Nicolas Anelka

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

10Documented controversies
12Sources
0Formal charge · all time
0Conviction

I. Documented controversies

01

December 2013–February 2014

'Quenelle' gesture: five-match suspension and £80,000 fine

Civil / administrative proceedings

After celebrating a goal with a 'quenelle' gesture, Anelka faced FA disciplinary proceedings. An independent commission found an aggravated breach involving a reference to ethnic origin, race, religion or belief and imposed a five-match suspension, a £80,000 fine and an educational requirement. The controversy also prompted Zoopla to terminate its sponsorship of West Brom.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
    The Football AssociationNicolas Anelka given five-match suspensionSports governing bodyVery high reliability
  2. [2]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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02

14 March 2014

West Brom dismisses him for gross misconduct following quenelle affair and unilateral departure announcement

Civil / administrative proceedings

After Anelka announced on Twitter that he was terminating his contract with immediate effect, West Brom dismissed him for gross misconduct, citing, among other things, the consequences of the quenelle gesture and the way he communicated his departure.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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03

June 2012

Shanghai Shenhua: dispute with supporter following defeat

No legal proceedings

During his time at Shanghai Shenhua, Anelka was reported to have argued with a supporter after refusing to take part in the traditional collective salute following an away defeat.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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04

2010–1 July 2011

Defamation lawsuit against L'Équipe over Knysna front page: claims dismissed

Civil / administrative proceedings

Anelka sued L'Équipe for defamation over the precise wording of the insults printed on the front page after France–Mexico. The court dismissed his claims in 2011, and no appeal was announced.

Sources · 2

  1. [1]
  2. [2]
    L'ÉquipeAnelka perd face à L'ÉquipePressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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05

17–19 June 2010

2010 World Cup: altercation and insulting remarks towards Raymond Domenech, followed by expulsion from squad

No legal proceedings

At half-time during France–Mexico, Anelka argued with Raymond Domenech and acknowledged making insulting remarks. Following the publication of L'Équipe's front page and his refusal to make the public apology demanded by the FFF, he was expelled from the squad in South Africa.

State of the evidence
Disputed

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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06

17 August 2010

Knysna: eighteen-match suspension from France national team

Civil / administrative proceedings

The federation's disciplinary commission imposed an eighteen-match suspension from the France national team on Anelka following the Knysna crisis.

State of the evidence
Documented
Attribution
direct subject of FFF disciplinary decision

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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07

2002–March 2004

Dispute with Jacques Santini followed by public apology to return to national team

No legal proceedings

Following his refusal to join the squad, Anelka and Jacques Santini became involved in a public dispute. The manager made his return conditional on an apology; Anelka eventually apologised publicly in 2004, reopening the possibility of selection.

State of the evidence
Documented

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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08

November 2002

Refusal to join France national team as replacement

No legal proceedings

Called up to replace an injured player, Anelka refused to join the France national team, worsening his rift with manager Jacques Santini.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]
    Le ParisienAnelka refuse la sélectionPressHigh reliability

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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09

January 2001

PSG: slap of L'Équipe journalist following altercation

Allegations

Following an altercation with an L'Équipe journalist at Camp des Loges, Anelka acknowledged slapping him. The press reported that a complaint had been filed over minor assault.

State of the evidence
Admitted by the person

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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10

March 2000

Real Madrid: 45-day salary suspension after three days' absence from training

Civil / administrative proceedings

Amid conflict with Real Madrid and public dissatisfaction with his situation, Anelka missed several training sessions. The club imposed a suspension of approximately 45 days' salary and a substantial financial penalty.

State of the evidence
Documented

Sources · 1

  1. [1]

Last verified: 15 September 2026

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II. Constellation of documented links

  • Linked profile (portrait or initials) — click to open it
  • Line width: number of documented references
  • Hover over or tap a line: controversies and sources

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

List of documented links (2)
  1. Raymond Domenech2 documented references
  2. Patrice Evra1 documented reference

III. Has something changed?

A new court decision, a missing source, a mistake? Tell us what should be updated: every request is read by the editorial team.

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