French Football Federation (FFF) prevented on Tuesday striker Nioclas Anelka from joining French soccer team for 18 games after South Africa's tournament fiasco.

Britain-based striker Nioclas Anelka was prevented from playing 18 matches with Franch national team, while the captain Patrice Hevra received a 5-match ban as he did not perform his duties as captain to incite players to resume training.

The federation disciplinary commission also banned vice-captain Franck Ribery for three matches and Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan for only one game.

French players refused to train during the World Cup first round as a protest after Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home following an expletive-laced tirade at then coach Raymond Domenech.

2006 World Cup runners-up France were kicked out of the South Africa tournament in the group stage without a win.