Serbia & Montenegro coach Ilija Petkovic will have only 22 players in his World Cup squad, as he is unable to call up a replacement for his son, Dusan, who withdrew from the party on Monday.

Centre-half Petkovic was called up to replace the injured Mirko Vucinic, but his selection was greeted with cries of nepotism, especially as the player he replaced was a striker.

After several days of sniping from the media, the younger Petkovic decided enough was enough and left the team's training camp.

Team spokesman Aleksandar Boskovic confirmed: "After a meeting with a FIFA official it has been decided that the coach Ilija Petkovic will not call up a replacement for his son, Dusan.

"FIFA rules clearly state that last-minute replacements are possible only if a player is injured and we have made it very clear from the start that this is not the case.

"We will be the only side to start the World Cup with 22 instead of 23 players, but we have accepted it and it's time to move on.

"I think the conclusion of this case has taken the pressure off the coach and the entire team."