France striker Nicolas Anelka has been sent home from the FIFA World Cup 2010 after refusing to apologize to Coach Raymond Domenech for his half-time rant during a match.

The Chelsea forward was criticized by Domenech for straying out of position during a goalless first half against Mexico on Thursday, June 17. Following this incident, the French Football Federation released a statement that the words spoken by Nicolas Anelka to the national coach, Raymond Domenech, are completely unacceptable to the FFF, French football, and the values they defend.

The Chelsea forward was not at the training on Saturday after the bust-up during Thursday’s 2-0 defeat by Mexico, which saw him substituted at the interval. Anelka was asked to apologize by the FFF President Jean-Pierre Escalettes, in the presence of team captain Patrice Evra, and, upon refusing to do so, was asked to leave the squad.

“He will leave the Team France camp this evening,” said an FFF statement on Saturday.