SYDNEY (AP) Football Federation Australia says world governing body FIFA has banned Australian player Mark Bresciano for four months and fined him over an illegal transfer involving clubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
FFA said Saturday that Bresciano will still play for Australia against Costa Rica on Tuesday, saying "the advice from FIFA is that the suspension doesn't apply" to that friendly.
"FFA is currently studying the judgement and considering the options," a FFA spokesman said.
"We will do all we can to assist Bresciano and his representatives in having this issue resolved."
Bresciano joined UAE club Al Gharafa last year, from Al Nasr in Qatar. But Al Nasr challenged the transfer and FIFA ruled the move broke the sport's laws.