FIFA have confirmed that Portugal midfielder Deco will not be available to play in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with England.

The Barcelona star was red-carded in the tempestuous 1-0 win against Holland on Sunday - a game which saw four players sent off.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had said that he would appeal against the decision to award Deco his first yellow card for a lunge at Holland defender Johnny Heitinga but FIFA have told the Brazilian that he would be wasting his time.

Communications director Markus Siegler said: "There was a phone call (from the Portuguese Football Federation) and they were clearly told 'forget it'."

Scolari was upset because play had been stopped due to an injury with Portugal in possession, but when the match restarted, Holland continued playing.

"The Federation could send a letter to FIFA because of the first yellow card," he had said on Monday. "The ball was ours, we had possession, but the Dutch player was told by his coach to continue playing.

"There should be fair play guidelines from FIFA, the time has come for FIFA to think about this."

Deco's fellow midfielder Costinha, who was also sent off against Holland for two bookable offences, will also be suspended for the England game.