Asa Refutes Newspaper Allegation

The Australian Soccer Association (ASA) today advised that it absolutely refutes the allegation published in a Sydney media article stating that an un-named 'senior ASA official' promised Mark Viduka that he would not be selected in the Australia squad to face Venezuela in Caracas on Wednesday 18 February.

The Australian Soccer Association (ASA) today advised that it absolutely refutes the allegation published in a Sydney media article stating that an un-named 'senior ASA official' promised Mark Viduka that he would not be selected in the Australia squad to face Venezuela in Caracas on Wednesday 18 February.

The journalist, quoting from an again un-named 'informed sources', reports that a verbal assurance from ASA was given to Mark Viduka for his approved omission from the Socceroo squad for the trip to South America.

ASA would like to confirm that at no stage has any assurance been given to Mark Viduka or any other Socceroo player that they would not be selected for the match against Venezuela, when in fact the directive has been for coach Frank Farina to select his strongest possible squad for this match.

ASA will continue to use its best endeavour to ensure the best possible preparation for the Socceroo team in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.