Last-ditch bid to get Glen Moss ban lifted

The Dominion Post

LAST SHOT: New Zealand Football has launched a last-ditch appeal to get Glen Moss' World Cup ban lifted.

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New Zealand Football has launched a last-ditch appeal to get All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss' World Cup ban lifted.

Moss, the All Whites' No1 custodian since 2006, missed the playoff series with Bahrain after he was suspended for four World Cup games after incurring a red card in a dead-rubber Oceania qualifying group match against Fiji last December.

All Whites coach Ricki Herbert told The Dominion Post on Monday he would select Moss in his 23-man squad even if the Melbourne Victory keeper was only eligible for the last of three group games.

New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum said he asked Fifa to reconsider the ban when he visited the world governing body's Zurich headquarters a fortnight ago.

The Oceania Football Confederation also supported New Zealand's appeal. It made its case to Fifa's legal department and later "fired off some papers", seeking a formal reconsideration.

"We're saying we don't disagree he should have been punished, but we disagree with the severity and, as such, are asking for a reconsideration.

"There's a lot of work going on behind the scenes. We should know within a couple of weeks."

Moss yesterday declined to comment until he had heard more from NZF and Fifa.

The former Wellington Phoenix keeper was sent off in Fiji after running out of his penalty area to swear at a referee.

He told The Dominion Post last month that he was furious at NZF for failing to lodge an initial appeal by the initial deadline last December.

NZF later lodged the 10,000 Swiss francs appeal bond, but the appeal was ruled invalid.

Van Hattum, the All Whites 1982 World Cup goalkeeper, is now hoping Fifa will have a change of heart but he said he could not guarantee NZF's chance of success.

Meanwhile, the six All Whites in the Phoenix returned to work yesterday after a "crazy" few days following New Zealand's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Bahrain at Westpac Stadium.

They have an A-League match away against Newcastle on Sunday and defender Ben Sigmund said it was important that they "get back on the wagon".

"We enjoyed that moment but we know Newcastle will be saying it will be a World Cup hangover and I'm determined not to let that happen."

Crowd favourite Sigmund was a reluctant hero and felt "uncomfortable" when he went to the supermarket on Monday.

"It felt like every person I walked past was watching me. I was kind of feeling a little uncomfortable, to be fair, but I'm sure we'll get a bit more recognised now.

"Even before the game I went for a walk to drop some tickets off to my girlfriend and there were people tooting their horns and saying `good luck Siggy' as I walked down the street, so that was cool."

He was even told not to pay on a visit to his local dairy in Paparangi.

"I thought that was pretty cool. I'll go back every week now and make sure I buy my milk and bread from there."

The reality of a World Cup appearance was still to sink in for All Whites vice-captain Tim Brown.

"When does it sink in? I don't know," he said.

"It's obviously big for us but we were isolated last week and now you realise how much it means to other people. It was an unforgettable occasion.

"But you've got to end the party sometime, so it was good to get a dose of reality at training today. Football has a funny way of coming back and biting you. We've qualified, but it doesn't make us any better players.

"The Phoenix is important to every one of us and we have to be ready for Sunday."

- © Fairfax NZ News