FIFA ban ends Vukovic's Olympic Games

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirms that it has received advice from FIFA today that Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic, is not eligible to play in international competition with effect from 25 February 2008 to 25 January 2009.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirms that it has received advice from FIFA today that Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic, is not eligible to play in international competition with effect from 25 February 2008 to 25 January 2009. The effect of FIFA's decision is to rule him out of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Vukovic-s suspension arises from a red card (send off) offence at the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final in February this year.

The ban imposed by FIFA is suspended from 6 October 2008 to 25 January 2009 subject to no further infringement up to, and including, 25 January 2009.

At the national level Vukovic's sanction continues to apply to domestic competition in accordance with the penalty handed down in April by an Independent Appeals Committee comprised of John Sackar QC, Michael Christie SC and former professional player, Jeromy Harris. The Independent Appeals Committee suspended Vukovic from all games up to 24 June 2008 and from all games from 29 August 2008 - 25 January 2009 inclusive, with the period from 6 October 2008 - 25 January 2009 suspended, subject to no further infringement in the period up to, and including 25 January 2009, and also fined Vukovic $10,000.

Under FIFA regulations, FFA is required to refer a player suspension to FIFA in respect of the worldwide effect of the player ban.

FIFA-s decision noted that it has the responsibility for determining suspensions to apply to international competitions. It has a duty to prevent players who have committed a serious infringement and who are suspended from playing in domestic competition from competing in international competition.

FIFA also noted that interruption of the suspension at international level under the sanction imposed by the Independent Appeals Committee would be contrary “to the spirit” of FIFA's regulations.

Under FIFA regulations both FFA and Danny Vukovic have a right of appeal.

FFA will not appeal FIFA-s decision.