All Whites coach Ricki Herbert will not be attending the World Cup draw in South Africa next month.

The draw will take place on the morning of Saturday December 5 New Zealand time, but the Wellington Phoenix have an A-League game against Melbourne in Wellington on Friday, December 4.

Phoenix chief executive Tony Pignata says he and owner Terry Serepisos discussed the matter with Herbert and they have reached an agreement for him to stay in Wellington.

Pignata says Herbert understands what is required of him.