Everton set to lose Pienaar battle

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The Toffees had hoped that FIFA's 14-day ruling would allow them to play Pienaar, with South Africa's first game not being played until January 23, but a spokesman for the sport's world governing body insists the rule relates to the start date of the tournament, which is January 20.

Responding to Everton's actions, a FIFA spokesman said: "It is very clear that the regulations refer to the opening match of the tournament. Clubs must release players 14 days before the opening of the competition, not the first match of the team concerned."

It was expected Pienaar would join up with South Africa's squad after Saturday's FA Cup home defeat by Oldham, but on Monday, despite claims earlier to the contrary, Pienaar was still at Everton's Finch Farm training ground and boss David Moyes intended to play him in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.

Manager David Moyes had said: "We have looked carefully at the rule and it is not clear whether the 14 days applies to the first match for South Africa or the opening date of the competition.

"We believe that 14 days should apply to South Africa's first match. I have spoken to the South Africa manager [Carlos Alberto Parreira] and they are clearly not pleased.

"But we have invoked the 14-day rule and intend to use Pienaar against Chelsea. That to my mind means that he can then join up with South Africa within the 14 days."

Everton's stance is likely to cause major conflict with South Africa, but Moyes added: "We pay the players' wages and believe we are within our rights to keep him here to play against Chelsea in the first leg."

Everton have already been given permission by Nigeria to keep Ayegbeni Yakubu and Joseph Yobo in England to play against Chelsea, but initially South Africa refused that request, hence the club's tough stance.