Algiers: Controversial French striker Nicolas Anelka was on Monday refused permission to join an Algerian club on the grounds that he was too old. The 35-year-old former Arsenal, Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid star was on the verge of joining Nasr Athletique d'Hussein-Dey (NAHD).


Nicolas Anelka 

But the move was blocked by the Algerian Football Federation, Mahfoud Kerbadj, president of the Algerian professional football league, told APS news agency. "The rules concerning foreign players being allowed to play in the Algerian league are clear," he said. "Only those aged under 27 and playing on the international level for their countries are allowed to sign up with our clubs."