Aussie crux may rule Viduka out for Leeds

LEEDS are locked in talks with the Australian Soccer Association in the hope that striker Mark Viduka will not be banned from Saturday’s crucial Premiership clash at Manchester United.

It is understood Viduka did not meet up with the rest of the Australian squad in Caracas ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Venezuela because he is suffering from a hamstring strain.

However, the ASA has declined a written request from Leeds that Viduka be withdrawn from the squad and they are now threatening to throw the FIFA rulebook at the Elland Road club.

FIFA have a range of powers at their disposal if they feel the player does not have a legitimate reason to miss the game.

With the ASA insisting they will enforce FIFA regulations to ensure all players fit enough to play turn up for duty, the five-day ruling could come into force.

FIFA regulations stipulate a player who does not comply with a call-up request will be suspended from playing for his club for five days after the date of the game for which he had initially been selected.