RADEBE RETIREMENT CONFIRMED

The Leeds United defender has found himself in a tug-of-war for his services after being called-up for the game, which clashes with his club's FA Cup tie with Liverpool.

To prevent future conflicts, Radebe has now informed Jordaan and South Africa coach Carlos Queiroz that he will retire from international football following the game, after flying back to his homeland to link up with the rest of the squad.

Jordaan has also joined Radebe in calling for Fifa to look at the timing of such games, in the hope that he does not lose other European-based African stars for future matches.

"He told the coach that he will be retiring from international football after the game," said Jordaan.

"Queiroz and Leeds United manager David O'Leary agreed at a meeting last year that Radebe would only be used for World Cup matches and wouldn't have to play in the Nations Cup qualifiers, but even that plan is proving troublesome.

"There is no question about the patriotism of Radebe," continued Jordaan. "How can you question the patriotism of a man who has played 62 times for his country? We understand the economic reality for a player who earns the vast majority of his money from his club.

"We are going to have to come up with some alternative plan for him but this is not a problem between Leeds United and South Africa.

"The real problem lies with Fifa and the Confederation of African Football, who have failed to harmonise their calendar with that of Europe, where the vast majority of African internationals now play their club soccer."

Click here to read Monday's earlier story, Radebe Wants Fifa Change