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Mark Bresciano wants to fight a four-month ban from FIFA. The Australian midfielder says he’s done nothing wrong in a controversy which could cruel his 2014 World Cup ambitions.
FIFA have suspended Bresciano for four months and fined him $1.9 million for an illegal transfer between clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
“It’s not an illegal transfer, there was nothing done illegally,” Bresciano told reporters after playing a key role in the Socceroos’ 1-0 win against Costa Rica in Sydney on Tuesday night.
“I was surprised when it came out. I think there is a good chance we will fight it.
“I’m getting the best legal advice so I think in the next couple of days we’ll make a decision.”
The 33-year-old joined Qatari club Al Gharafa last August, transferring from Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.
But Al Nasr challenged the transfer, with a FIFA dispute committee finding the Australian had broken the sport’s rules.
The FIFA committee heard the matter on October 4, but the world governing body only informed Bresciano of the ruling on November 14.
FIFA have refused to publicly disclose the reasons for their decision and have yet to state when any suspension should start.
“Since the relevant decision is not yet final and binding, i.e. an appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport is still possible, we are not in a position to further comment on the matter,” a FIFA spokeswoman told AAP.
Bresciano said he would seek urgent legal advice on return to Qatar.
“I have to wait until I get back to my club. I have been told not to say much because it’s a legal matter,” he said.
“I’m just weighing up my options and we have to see what we can do.”
Any suspension would take a chunk out of Bresciano’s preparations for the World Cup in Brazil starting next June.
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