Everton have risked sparking a major row with South Africa by refusing to release Steven Pienaar for African Nations Cup duty.It was expected the midfielder would join up with the Bafana Bafana squad for the African Cup of Nations tournament in Ghana 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 intends to play him in Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Chelsea.
Everton are determined to maximise world governing body FIFA's 14-day ruling for the release of players for international duty.
The tournament begins on January 20 but as South Africa do not play their first game against Angola until January 23, the club believe they are entitled to extra time with the player.
Moyes said: "We have looked carefully at the rule and it's 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.
Everton are hoping Yobo can prove his fitness as he recovers from a foot injury and Moyes will also recall Tim Howard, Tim Cahill and Phil Neville for the tie.
Mikel Arteta (suspended) and Leon Osman (broken foot) are not available for the trip to west London.
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