Santini disappointed with Anelka

Anelka's refusal to join up with Les Bleus was based on the fact that he felt he should have been in the original squad - and not on stand-by.

An injury to Sidney Govou gave Anelka the chance to feature - but the Manchester City man invoked the wrath of the French Football Federation by saying no.

"We did our job," insisted Santini, "someone from the French team's staff called Nicolas in the afternoon and Nicolas stated he would be present on Monday.

"Then I saw on television on Monday that he did not want to come.

"It is simply not true to say that I did not want him in my squad.

"I think that there will be sanctions. I did not ask for them but rules are rules.

"He will be replaced and we will carry on - the federation will decide on whether or not to press on with sanctions and I will decide on whether to call him up next time or not."

The player drafted in after Anelka's refusal is Lens forward Daniel Moreira - who admitted to being mystified by the former Arsenal man's decision.

"You can't turn down a call-up to the national side," insisted Moreira.

"I hope to get on the pitch. I think there will be a lot of substitutions because it is a friendly match.

"I was told that I would only be on stand-by for the French squad - so I am delighted to get a chance."