Kevin Muscat says pulling Thomas Deng away from Victory is a ‘slap in face’ for the A-League

Kevin Muscat has taken a swipe at Olyroos boss Graham Arnold, with the frustrated Melbourne Victory coach saying the FFA has brought the A-League into “disrepute”.

Graham Arnold (right) and Victory coach Kevin Muscat have had some robust discussions. Pic: AAP

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat has taken a swipe at Olyroos boss Graham Arnold, revealing that he reluctantly released defender Tommy Deng early for international duty.

Muscat declared that Football Federation Australia had brought the A-League into “disrepute”, in the wake of another club versus country debate.

Deng, who looks set to captain the Olyroos, is hoping to be fit for Tuesday night’s away clash to Sanfrecce Hiroshima after coming off injured last Tuesday, but will miss Saturday’s Brisbane Roar home clash to join the team in Kuala Lumpur.

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Muscat, who played at two Under 20 World Cups and an Olympics, said an A-League break should have been introduced to protect the 16 local call ups.

In the end, FFA threatened to ban Deng from playing for Victory if Muscat blocked his call up.

Kevin Muscat: “It’s a slap in the face for the A-League.” Pic: Getty Images

Olyroos boss Graham Arnold. Pic: Getty Images

“We were having strong conversations with FFA because I wanted Tommy to stay. In the end reluctantly, based on the Club Participation Agreement (CPA), we released him,’’ Muscat said.

“FFA and Graham decided they’d invoke the CPA, which is outdated and detrimental to our competition. Legally we didn’t have a leg to stand on, otherwise I would’ve made a stand.

“I’m a big advocate for (the A-League). If qualifiers and friendlies are more important, then the A-League should have stopped.

“By taking 15-odd players, you’re saying it’s not important. It’s a slap in the face for the A-League and brought the whole competition into disrepute.

“Teams are qualifying for playoffs and managers are coaching for their livelihoods, yet one team will gain an advantage. Wellington are playing a severely understrength Western Sydney, what does that say for Newcastle or teams chasing finals.

“It’s about time actions show we take it seriously. The competition’s been treated with contempt as far as I’m concerned.”

Muscat revealed that Arnold told him Deng would wear the captain’s armband in the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers.

Thomas Deng is a key component of the Victory line-up. Pic: AAP

“I told Arnie I’ll do everything in my power to keep him here as a stance, because I’m treating my responsibilities seriously. But it was overruled,’’ he said.

“In that conversation he mentioned and stressed that Tommy was going to be the captain. I’m pleased that Tommy will get the opportunity to captain his nation.”

Muscat said that Deng, who’s played all 22 Victory games this season, and the Olyroos would have benefited from the extra A-League game.

“No one needs to tell me how important the Olympics are. I thought (Tommy) arriving five days before the first game against Cambodia and nine days before their crunch game against Korea was reasonable,’’ he said.

“My biggest issue is that FFA runs the competition. And whilst we all agree on the importance of preparations and Olympic qualifying, I don’t think any significant consideration was given to the A-League’s importance.”