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Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley has denied Lucas Neill led a revolt against the tactics of former coach Pim Verbeek during last year’s World Cup in South Africa.
Respected football commentator Les Murray claimed a dressing room revolt against Verbeek preceded Australia’s 4-0 loss to Germany.
Murray says in his book The World Game players took exception with Verbeek’s gameplan prior to the match in Durban, claiming captain Neill asked him to leave the room before telling players the Dutchman’s tactics were “bullshit.”
The loss proved the downfall of Australia’s campaign, as they went on to draw with Ghana and defeat Serbia but narrowly miss out on reaching the knockout stages.
However, Buckley endorsed Neill as one of the finest Socceroos captains of all time.
“Lucas Neill has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past five years,” said Buckley in a statement.
“He stands tall as an Australian sporting leader of the highest quality.”
Buckley dismissed the claims made by Murray.
“No one involved with the Socceroos in South Africa can recall any incident with the slightest resemblance to what has been described in today’s press,” he said.
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