Viduka to miss June qualifiers

Qantas Socceroos Head Coach, Pim Verbeek, announced today that Mark Viduka will not be joining the Australian squad for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Asian Qualifier Round 4 matches against Qatar, Bahrain and Japan.

Qantas Socceroos Head Coach, Pim Verbeek, announced today that Mark Viduka will not be joining the Australian squad for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Asian Qualifier Round 4 matches against Qatar, Bahrain and Japan.

Viduka contacted Verbeek to advise that he would not be available for selection for the upcoming three matches in June.

"He told me that after a difficult season that he needed a break from football to consider his future plans," said Verbeek.

“Mark is currently out of contract and, while he is deciding what to do next, it would be difficult for him to fully concentrate on these important matches for Australia.

“We respect his decision and wish him all the best over the coming weeks as he makes his next important decision," concluded Verbeek.