Nick Faldo has told Colin Montgomerie he is unavailable for the Seve Trophy match in Spain in two weeks' time.
Britain and Ireland captain Montgomerie has traditionally gone for the next highest player in the world rankings as his wild card pick for the match against Continental Europe.
That is currently Faldo, but the 46-year-old, desperately keen to play in next year's Ryder Cup, told his former cup partner not to pick him.
"We spoke about it a month ago and I said I had a corporate commitment in Portugal with BMW that is set in stone," said Faldo, competing this week in the Telefonica Madrid Open.
With Darren Clarke doubtful because he might qualify for the US Tour's Tour Championship, Montgomerie is not sure yet who will be in his line-up.
Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey and Justin Rose have qualified off the world rankings, while Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Phillip Price and Brian Davis are in position to make it off the European Order of Merit.
The Madrid Open is the final qualifying event.
Four Irishmen will tee it up in Madrid - Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell, Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy.