Tuesday 15 December 2015 15:10, UK
FIFA has stopped Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo and Xavi Hernandez from playing in a friendly match in Kuwait because of the Gulf nation's ban from international football.
Kuwait was suspended by FIFA in October because of government interference in the game.
The ban from international competitions extends to active players registered with clubs and as a result the big-name trio will be unable to take part in the Football Champions Tour team's friendly against a Kuwait All-Stars team on Friday.
Italian playmaker Pirlo and former Liverpool midfielder Gerrard currently play in Major League Soccer for New York City and LA Galaxy respectively, while ex-Barcelona star Xavi is with Qatar-based Al Sadd.
FIFA acting secretary general Markus Kattner wrote to member associations last week reminding them that the Football Champions Tour game was also covered by Kuwait's suspension.
The latest legends match, being played to celebrate the opening of the Jaber Stadium in Kuwait and the Football Champions Tour team - which will be managed by Carlo Ancelotti - is still set to feature former players such as Paul Scholes, Ronaldinho and captain Luis Figo.
The previous Football Champions Tour game was played in Manchester in October when David Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the Unicef Match For Children.
