The Suva soccer team suffered a big blow ahead of next week's FM/Blue Gas Battle of the Giants soccer tournament as they failed to get the release of their three overseas based players.

The capital city side registered New Zealand's Petero Dauniseka, Pita Rabo and Australia's Sameer Ali, but had to exclude their names from the final 22 listing after the trio failed to get the release.

Suva will now bank on its local players to win the tournament. Also out are defender Akriva Dau and striker Leone Damudamu.

Suva will play Nadi in their opening pool match next Thursday at the National Stadium.