Viduka barred from playing against United

Australia have invoked a FIFA ruling preventing Mark Viduka from playing for Leeds against Manchester United on Saturday.

Australia have invoked a FIFA ruling preventing Mark Viduka from playing for Leeds against Manchester United on Saturday.

Viduka failed to report for duty ahead of Australia's friendly against Venezuela in Caracas last night citing a hamstring injury.

The Australian Soccer Association were unhappy with Viduka's explanation and have referred to article 40 of FIFA's regulations for the status and transfer of players which states that any player must comply with an international summons.

Any player failing to make themselves available will be rendered unavailable for their club for five days after the period they should have been released.