The gesture – which Anelka performed after scoring against West Ham last month – has anti-Semitic connotations in France.
It has been described as an inverted Nazi salute, and Anelka’s gesture drew widespread condemnation from anti-racism campaigners in the UK and France.
Anelka himself insists the gesture is anti-establishment, not anti-Jewish.
Zoopla, West Brom’s sponsor, is owned by Jewish businessman Alex Chesterman. The company is believed to have been unhappy that the Baggies continued to pick Anelka despite the uproar.
Their sponsorship deal with West Brom was the biggest in the club’s history, though it was due to expire this summer.
The company has now confirmed it will not renew the deal.
The FA has been investigating the issue, and is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday or Tuesday. Anelka could be facing a lengthy ban
Written by Steve Milne
