Australians ask Viduka to explain
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Australia have asked Leeds striker Mark Viduka to explain his failure to join the rest of their squad in Caracas, for Wednesday's friendly against Venezuela.
The ASA said it was "in ongoing discussions" with Viduka, who had been due to arrive in Caracas on Sunday.
The ASA said it had turned down Leeds' request for Viduka to be withdrawn from the squad, so he could prepare for Saturday's game with Manchester United.
"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," the Australian association said.
"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.
"The match against Venezuela is an important step in the preparation of the team to achieve this goal."
To qualify for the 2006 World Cup Frank Farina's team will have to win their Oceania section and then play off against a team from the South American qualifying group, which includes Venezuela.
The ASA said on Monday it had also asked for full reports from several other Europe-based players who have been ruled out of the squad on medical grounds, including Liverpool's Hary Kewell, Osasuna's John Aloisi and Josip Skoko of Genclerbirligi.
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