Jurgen Klinsmann yesterday quit his role as ambassador for Germany's bid to host the 2006 World Cup, undermining his country's prospects of winning the race with England and South Africa to stage the finals.

Former Germany and Tottenham striker Klinsmann (34), took his decision after being refused an official farewell match by the German Football Federation (DFB).

Klinsmann said: "I'm not going to continue (in this World Cup role)."

Fedor Radmann, head of the German bid committee, said he deplored Klinsmann's withdrawal but added: "Unfortunately we have to accept it."

The DFB decided in 1995 not to offer its support for farewell testimonial matches, and vice-president Franz Beckenbauer said: "We will not make any exceptions, and the same is true for Jurgen."