Milligan to miss pre-Olympic tour
May 05, 2008

MARK Milligan's participation at the Olympic Games remains in doubt after the Olyroos skipper was barred from an upcoming team training camp in Malaysia.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) issued a statement saying Milligan was not allowed to attend the May 13-25 camp after he'd failed to show up for another of the Olyroos' training camps, in Townsville this week.

Milligan had been in England and was believed to be trialling with English Barclays Premier League side Arsenal.

The Sydney FC player has been linked with a possible move to either the Gunners or Premiership rivals Manchester City.

An unhappy Milligan was understood to be weighing up his involvement with the national team after the FFA decision.

His manager Tom Brookes said Milligan would appeal the decision.

“Mark is bitterly disappointed and deeply concerned with the FFA's decision and total failure to accept that his need to secure employment is paramount,” Brookes said.

“The FFA was aware of Mark's commitments and why he was there. We do not accept the decision and we will be appealing.”

Milligan's appeal will go through the FFA.

FFA officials met with Milligan to discuss his no show in Townsville and issued a brief statement saying: “In light of the reasons provided by Milligan, he will not eligible to attend the Olympic Football team's upcoming Olympic Games preparatory tournament in Malaysia to be held from 13-25 May 2008.”

No mention was made of whether it would impact Milligan's chances of playing in Beijing..

The 22-year-old defender/midfielder is one of the Olyroos' most important players and has been the cornerstone of the team coach Graham Arnold has built for Beijing over the past two years.