Rangers will not let Bongani Zungu fly out for South Africa's Nations Cup qualifier with Sudan.
The loanee has been at the heart of a tug-of-war between his club and national side with Covid restrictions impacting on the call-up.
The Ibrox side had agreed to allow Zungu to miss the Scottish Cup clash with Cove Rangers and travel for the Afcon qualifier against Sudan, while missing last night's draw with Ghana.
However, Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Nsteki has confirmed he will not be involved in either game after an email from Rangers.
FIFA have agreed that clubs do not have to release their players if they're required to quarantine on their return.
Nsteki told The South African : “We got an email from Zungu’s club to say they are no longer releasing him – whether it’s coming to South Africa or going to Sudan.
“I then spoke to him and explained the situation, and he said, ‘It’s a decision that will work against me if ever I force to come to Sudan.’
“We saw a new list of countries that are being referred to as ‘red zones’, and in this case we have Dubai and Ethiopia, which is where players were going to have to come via to get to Sudan.”
Sudan is not currently on the UK government's coronavirus red list, while the requirement for all arrivals to Scotland to quarantine contains an elite sport exemption.
However, Zungu to get to Kharthoum for the qualifier without going through a red zone country.
