Although it was never made public at the time, Anelka actually signed for Chelsea on loan on the night of Friday January 11.
That was because there was not enough time to arrange a permanent switch before the home meeting with Spurs the next day.
The deal was sealed the following week but the method of Anelka's transfer means he can only play one more Premier League game this season - at Newcastle on Monday.
Chelsea asked the Premier League board on Tuesday for special dispensation but their case was thrown out.