Anelka adverts dumped by French fast food chain!!

French bank Credit Agricole SA suspended one of their television advertisements featuring top French players after the national team boycotted a training session at the World Cup.

The move on Monday came after an international uproar over the team’s refusal to practice a day earlier, after striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home for insulting the French coach, the company said.

The fastfood chain Quick also said it is canceling an advertising campaign with Anelka because of the player’s poor image.

Quick said it cancelled a TV ad featuring Anelka and removed him from all advertising in the chain’s French restaurants. Posters featuring the Chelsea striker holding up a burger as if it were a trophy will remain on Paris streets until Wednesday because there’s no way to pull them down faster.


Valerie Raynal, head of communication for Quick France, said the decision was taken because Anelka’s presence “could be badly perceived by our customers.”

Among other sponsors, Adidas said it was “appalled and saddened” but said it would retain its sponsorship planned to expire this year.

“Adidas will continue to activate the French part of its international campaign until the end of the team’s presence in the competition. This part involves Yoann Gourcuff, the brand’s French ambassador,” the statement from Adidas France said.

Playmaker Gourcuff was left on the bench for last Thursday’s Group A match where Mexico beat France 0-2.

US group Nike, which will succeed Adidas as the team’s equipment supplier in 2011, was not immediately available for comment.