BILLERBECK, June 7: Serbia & Montenegro will conduct their World Cup campaign with 22 players after being told by FIFA officials that they could not call up a replacement for centre back Dusan Petkovic.

The son of coach Ilija Petkovic pulled out of the squad on Tuesday after an avalanche of media criticism toward his father, who brought him to replace injured striker Mirko Vucinic.

“After a meeting with FIFA officials, it has been decided that coach Ilija Petkovic will not call up a replacement for his son Dusan,” team spokesman Aleksandar Boskovic told reporters.

“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.”

In Belgrade, Dusan told a news conference he and his father were victims of a “malicious media campaign”.

“At one point, I realised it was a campaign full of hatred aimed at disrupting a fantastic team atmosphere. It was my decision only to come back because I have never used my father for nepotism to boost my career,” he said.

“I have no reason to justify myself because I don't know a single player in the world who would turn down a call up to play for the national team in the World Cup.

“I don't know what my father has done to deserve this. Those who poured scorn on a coach who defied the odds to reach the World Cup finals should be ashamed of themselves.”

The 32-year-old OFK Belgrade defender has scored one goal in 12 internationals and played no part in qualifying when the Serbs conceded one goal in 10 unbeaten matches.

The squad looked relaxed and in good spirits in training on Wednesday and captain Savo Milosevic said he was “absolutely optimistic” about their chances.

“We are fired up for our opening match against the Netherlands in Leipzig on June 11 and I am absolutely optimistic about our chances of doing well in the tournament.”

Goalkeeper Dragoslav Jevric said the Petkovic saga was over and he was confident of avoiding defeat against the Dutch.—Reuters