Milligan appeal set to be heard tomorrow
08 May, 2008
Olyroos captain Mark Milligan remains a slim chance of travelling to Malaysia for this month's Intercontinental Cup, with his appeal against a tournament ban likely to be heard on Friday.
Football Federation Australia chief executive Ben Buckley said the appeal had been lodged and he hoped it would be heard by an independent arbitrator on Friday, before the Australian under-23 team head to Malaysia on Sunday.
"The intention is to have an outcome tomorrow," Buckley said.
"We need it to be sooner rather than later so the team can plan what they are going to do."
Milligan was banned from the May 13-25 tournament on Monday after failing to show up for the start of the Olyroos' training camp in Townsville last week.
He was in England, believed to be trialling with English Premier League side Arsenal and linked with a possible move to either the Gunners or Premiership rivals Manchester City.
Milligan's manager Tom Brookes has said the FFA were aware the 22-year-old defender/midfielder would not be in Townsville for the start of the camp but Buckley said there was not enough notice given.
"The FFA were not made aware until it was too late for him to be in camp on time," Buckley said.
"We would hope that Mark gets back into playing as soon as he can but at the same time we take very seriously players coming into camp at the wrong time.
"Beyond that, I don't think it's fair for me to make any more comment before the appeal his heard."
Brookes said the intention was to have Milligan's suspension withdrawn, rather than reduced.
It is not the first time Milligan has faced heat after heading off in pursuit of the European dream.
In July last year he left Sydney FC for a trial with French club Metz just a month out from the start of the A-League season.
Milligan's contract with Sydney finished at the end of last season.
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