Soccer: Boutsianis row builds

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Con Boutsianis saga could go all the way to Fifa.

While Soccer Australia continue to grapple with a problem they surely must wish would go away, pressure is mounting from all directions.

It seems that suggestions from Melbourne this week that the issue has been resolved are premature.

Soccer Australia's board was tipped to again consider the problem - arising from a dispute between the Football Kingz and South Melbourne - last night.

With Souths now looking likely to reach the top six playoffs, other clubs are backing the Kingz' bid to have the three points won by the Melbourne club in their game against the Kingz deducted.

Parramatta Power coach David Mitchell attacked the handling of the affair, describing it as a joke. Northern Spirit, another chasing the top six, are also backing the Kingz.

At one time it seemed legal recourse was the only option, but it now appears that has been discounted, leaving the Kingz little option but to ask New Zealand Soccer to take the matter to soccer's governing body. Clubs are not allowed to appeal directly to Fifa.

Kingz chief executive Chris Turner said he would await the outcome of last night's Soccer Australia meeting before taking any further action.

He and fellow Kingz director Ted Midlane are due to meet New Zealand Soccer today to discuss their plans to buy the club from Sky Television.