More info below, all the best tot he Jones family as it sounds like a serious matter.
Jones leaves Cup after health scare
MICHAEL COCKERILL AND MICHAEL LYNCH
June 7, 2010
Heading home ... Socceroos goalkeeper Brad Jones. Photo: Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG: FIFA has granted the Australian team dispensation on humanitarian grounds to replace reserve keeper Brad Jones. Team management was due to make the announcement on Sunday that Jones would leave South Africa for London due to a health issue involving a family member.
Under normal circumstances no player can be replaced in the 23-man World Cup squad other than for medical reasons but FIFA has relented on this occasion.
Jones is Australia's third-choice keeper and, while he was unlikely to figure in the tournament, coach Pim Verbeek did not want to leave himself shorthanded.
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At this stage, Jones has not officially withdrawn from the World Cup but FIFA has given him the option to make that decision after discussions with his family.
If Jones withdraws, he will be replaced by Adelaide United keeper Eugene Galekovic, who is in South Africa as back-up.
Galekovic was regarded by many as unfortunate not to have been in the official squad after starring for the Reds in the Asian Champions League, and is a worthy replacement.
Feelings within the Socceroos squad about Jones's personal drama were evident when they scored the goal against the US in Saturday night's warm-up match at Roodepoort. Tim Cahill and Luke Wilkshire both paid tribute to Jones after Cahill's first half goal.
Meanwhile, team officials have sought to alleviate any concerns over Cahill, who was forced to leave the field at half-time in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the USA after injuring his neck.
''Scans have cleared him of any serious injuries,'' an FFA spokesman said yesterday. Staff will continue to monitor him.
http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/jones-leaves-cup-after-health-scare-20100606-xn97.htmlEdited by diego's son: 6/6/2010 11:34:42 PM