Football Federation Australia has refused to answer questions from The Advertiser regarding the Olyroos players sanctions
Four members of the Australian under-23 soccer squad suspended following an incident in Cambodia during a national team tour, may appeal their bans, according to the players’ union.
Football
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- McGree banned over Cambodia conduct breach
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
A spokesman from Professional Footballers Australia has suggested sanctioned Australian under-23 players Riley McGree, Brandon Wilson, Lachlan Wales and Nathaniel Atkinson may appeal their bans.
Adelaide United’s Olyroos captain McGree was among four players found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute over an incident involving a woman on tour in Cambodia.
Melbourne City’s Atkinson and Wales and Perth Glory’s Wilson have been banned from national team selection until August 10.
They will miss the Olympics even if Australia qualifies.
McGree has been suspended from national teams duty until April 1.
He was a Club Brugge player on loan to Melbourne City at the time of the incident.
“The PFA has, and continues to, represent the players throughout this process and will work closely with each of them on their options, including appealing the sanctions imposed,’’ said a PFA spokesman.
Stream every game of The 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season LIVE & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“From the outset the players have accepted responsibility, undertaken respectful relationships counselling and at all times acted cooperatively with the FFA during the investigation.
“Our primary concern is working through the appeals process with the members and safeguarding their wellbeing through a challenging period.”
Football Federation Australia refused to answer questions from The Advertiser.
“As the matter may be subject to appeal, and out of respect to the complainant, Football Federation Australia (FFA) is unable to provide further comments regarding this matter at this time,’’ an FFA spokesman said.
“A review of Australia’s national teams has been completed by an independent committee and is currently under review by the board.”
It’s understood some members of Australia’s under-23s team celebrated qualification to the next stage of the Tokyo 2020 at the bar of the team hotel in Phnom Penh in March on the night of the alleged incident.
The national team had just forced a 2-2 draw with South Korea on March 26 to qualify for the 2020 AFC Under-23 Championship where the top three nations earn a ticket to the Olympic Games in July.
Australia’s under-23s haven’t qualified for the Olympics since 2008.
The quartet were sanctioned after The Daily Telegraph reported that they broke the curfew imposed by coach Graham Arnold but did not leave their hotel.
A player had been in contact with a woman and invited her to the hotel.
There was no suggestion of an assault.
Originally published as Football Federation Australia has refused to answer questions from The Advertiser regarding the Olyroos players sanctions