Viduka's no-show for Socceroos

Mark Viduka failed to show up for international duty with Australia in Venezuela yesterday.

The Australian Soccer Association declined a written request from Leeds that the 28-year-old striker be withdrawn from the squad but remain in “continued dialogue” with both parties.

Viduka’s failure to board a plane for Caracas has once again thrown the Australian national team into chaos, with four star players from the original 20-man squad already out injured.

The ASA today insisted it will enforce all FIFA regulations to ensure all players fit enough to play for the Socceroos turn up for duty.

“ASA policy is that it expects any player selected by the national team coach for international duty to make himself available and be released by his club,” Australian soccer’s governing body said in a statement released this afternoon.

“ASA has confirmed the policy to ensure that the Socceroos have the best possible preparation, as a team, to ultimately qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006. ASA will utilise FIFA Regulations if required to enforce this policy.”

Viduka has only just returned to England after spending nearly a month with his sick father in Melbourne and outlined his determination to repay Leeds’ patience by helping them avoid relegation.

He scored on his return to Barclaycard Premiership action in the crunch 4-1 victory over Wolves.

But Australia view the midweek friendly as a crucial step in their preparations for 2006 World Cup qualification, given the Oceania winners will face the fifth-placed South American team – currently Venezuela.

“ASA and the Socceroo team is committed to ultimately achieving FIFA World Cup qualification,” the statement continued.

“The match against Venezuela is an important step in the preparation of the team to achieve this goal.

“The successful OFC qualifier will face a play-off in November 2005 against the fifth-placed CONMEBOL team, currently Venezuela.

“This match is one of the few opportunities available to experience South American conditions and opponents due to the congested 18-round CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying schedule.”

Australia have requested medical reports on Harry Kewell (Liverpool), John Aloisi (Osasuna) and Josip Skoko (Genclerbirligi) after they withdrew from the friendly.

“Blackburn Rovers have already provided a complete medical summary to ASA regarding Brett Emerton’s injury,” said the statement.

“Empoli’s Vince Grella is currently undergoing extensive medical treatment from the Socceroos staff in Caracas, in an effort to be ruled fit for the match.”