And instead all four will now be available for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Ipswich.

Muntari, John Utaka, Papa Bouba Diop and Kanu had been requested by their respective countries to attend training camps ahead of the African Cup of Nations.

According to FIFA legislation, clubs do not have to release players for international competitions for a maximum of 14 days before the first match.

It means the quartet will now link up with their international sides 24 hours after the Ipswich fixture on Sunday, January 6.

The move is sure to anger the coaches of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal with the January 20 competition looming.

But chief executive Peter Storrie is adamant Pompey were not going to give in.

He said: 'They requested for them to go early but we said no. We are required by FIFA to release the players 14 days before the tournament and these training camps exceed that.

'We have every right to decline their demands and that's what we have done.

'All four will now be available for the Ipswich tie.

'Their managers are probably not happy about it but our priority is with the club and we want these players to remain here as long as possible.'

However, Pompey still face losing the four for more than three weeks during the tournament's duration.

Invariably, it would depend on how their respective countries fare, with Nigeria and Ghana ranked among the favourites. But Storrie revealed the Blues have asked if their departures can be delayed even further.

He added: 'If you don't ask you don't get and we have asked for them to stay here longer. We are currently in discussions with the football associations of each country in trying to achieve that.

'However, we are aware that if they allow this for one club they will have to do it for all so that may hamper our chances.'