Robbie Williams says he is "gutted" that a knee injury will stop him from playing in the rematch of a Unicef charity football event he organised.
The first Soccer Aid match, at Old Trafford in 2006, pitched the singer as captain of an England XI against Gordon Ramsay's Rest of the World side.
Soccer Aid 2008, at Wembley Stadium on 7 September, will be shown on ITV1 and presented by Ant and Dec.
Each team will be made up of 11 celebrities and five ex-professionals.
Williams, 34, came up with the idea for Soccer Aid along with best friend and entertainer Jonathan Wilkes.
"I'm gutted that this time around my knee isn't up to it so, unfortunately, I'm out of the game"
"Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life," he said.
"I'm gutted that this time around my knee isn't up to it so, unfortunately, I'm out of the game."
A new captain for the side, managed by Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, has yet to be decided.
His squad includes ex-England internationals Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp as well as GMTV presenter Ben Shephard, singer Gareth Gates and radio presenter Jamie Theakston.
Former Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish will take charge of the Rest of the World side - again captained by TV chef Ramsay.
Their squad includes former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, Westlife's Nicky Byrne and Desperate Housewives star Jesse Metcalfe.
The last Soccer Aid match, won 2-1 by the England XI, raised £2.6m for Unicef's work with children around the world.
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