Nicolas Anelka has been kicked out of the French World Cup team after refusing to apologise for swearing at coach Raymond Domenech, the French football federation FFF confirmed in a statement Saturday, dpa reported.
"Informed late Friday of the serious incident during halftime of the match France-Mexico, federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes has asked Nicolas Anelka, in the presence of captain Patrice Evra, to present an official apology to the French public and to regret his remarks to Raymond Domenech, the staff and 23 players from the team of France," said the statement.
"Upon refusal by the player to deliver a public apology, he made the decision in full agreement with the coach and members of the official delegation to exclude Nicolas Anelka from the squad."
L'Equipe sports magazine had reported earlier that the Chelsea striker had directed expletives at Domenech during the break in the dressing room of the game with Mexico on Thursday which France lost 2-0.