ISL: FIFA keeps Nicolas Anelka away from action

Nicolas Anelka

Why did Nicolas Anelka not play the inaugural match of the Indian Super League (ISL)? The All India Football Federation had given him the green signal on Saturday.


Nicolas Anelka

So, there was a buzz, that the former French striker would play for Mumbai City FC here. Anelka is suspended by the Football Association, England, for three matches for a Nazi salute he gave during his last goal in EPL.

Initially he was suspended for five matches, but the ban was reduced to three after he appealed. It was claimed that neither is the ISL a FIFA recognised tournament, nor is it being played in England. Hence Anelka could be part of the XI.

However, FIFA shot down the prospect by not allowing him to take the field yesterday. Indian football lovers will now have to wait for six more days to see Anelka in action. Mumbai had to suffer since Fredrik Ljungberg, too, was not available to play the match due to injury.

Yesterday once more!
The gallery of the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Kreerangan in Salt Lake erupted with joy when India's most popular sports star Sachin Tendulkar was introduced to them as the owner of the Kerala Blasters FC yesterday.

Prompted by the host and Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra, the master blaster had another first here - hearing the most treasured chant of 'Sachiiin, Sachiiin, Sachiiin' at a football ground!

Sporting the yellow jersey of his team, he was accompanied by Harbhajan Singh in the VVIP gallery and shared the stage with former captain Sourav Ganguly as well as Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham, and Ranbir Kapoor, co-owners of the other teams.