http://www.smh.com.au/news/beijing2008/shock-as-fifa-ends-vukovics-olympics/2008/06/10/1212863644415.html
Shock as FIFA ends Vukovic's Olympics
Sebastian Hassett
June 11, 2008
THE structured ban imposed on Danny Vukovic by Football Federation Australia which would have allowed the keeper to compete at the Beijing Olympics was overturned by football's governing body in a shock move last night.
Originally suspended from competing at the August 8-24 Games after being handed a 15-month suspension for striking referee Mark Shield at the conclusion of the 2007-08 A-League grand final, Vukovic made three appeals. These eventually saw the ban reduced to being applicable until June 24, and then again from all games between August 29 to October 5. However, FIFA determined that an interruption to the ban at an international level was contrary "to the spirit" of the sport's regulations, and upgraded the ban to apply without interruption until October 5, with a further suspended period lasting until January 25, 2009.
While Vukovic's club, the Central Coast Mariners, opted against allowing Vukovic to speak publicly, Mariners chief executive Lyall Gorman said the club was under the impression the matter had been effectively resolved.
"I feel frustrated, disappointed and surprised to be honest," Gorman told the Herald last night. "We were under the very clear understanding that this was more or less a ratification process from FIFA.
"Our legal advice was that they didn't have the capacity to change the decision as such, and we made a submission accordingly to that. We were invited by FIFA, as was the FFA, to make submissions with a view as to why the penalty shouldn't apply to the Olympics, and we did that, and we made a very strong submission, as did the FFA, and it appears those points haven't been taken on board by FIFA."
However, Gorman said the club was acquiring legal advice on behalf of their 23-year-old goalkeeper.
"It's shattering stuff, but it's not over yet," Gorman said. "It's not over till the fat lady sings, and we're seeking legal advice from senior counsel. We're expecting to get feedback from them on Friday, and if there is deemed to be an appropriate avenue of appeal, we will.
"We've got to accept the umpire's decision at some stage, and it might be as early as when we get legal advice, or there might be one more round to go. We've got to make sure that decision is as fair and as right as it can be."
Gorman said all parties needed to appreciate the ups and downs Vukovic had undergone since the incident, especially now his Olympic dream had been denied once again. "Our hearts go out to Danny," he said. "It's just one of the most amazing scenarios I think I've seen in sport."
While FIFA laws still permit FFA and the player to make an appeal, FFA has already decided it will accept FIFA's judgment.
Reading's Adam Federici is likely to replace Vukovic in the Olyroos.
FIFA
