FIFA to OK Jones replacement GUY HAND
June 7, 2010 - 10:19AM

AAP

FIFA looks set to give the Socceroos permission to replace Brad Jones in their World Cup squad after the Middlesbrough goalkeeper left to be with his seriously-ill son.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek admits reserve keeper Jones is unlikely to take part in the World Cup after leaving the team's training camp in South Africa to join his family in France.

Verbeek and Australian officials declined to elaborate on the exact details of his situation, but News Ltd reported his four-year-old son Luca had been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Sources say FIFA is almost certain to grant Australia special dispensation to add a replacement goalkeeper if needed prior to the tournament starting on Friday.

But Verbeek said the 28-year-old West Australian would be given time to make up his mind whether to compete or officially withdraw before any final decision was made to ask for a replacement.

"We expect him not to come back - that says enough about the seriousness of the matter," Verbeek said on Sunday.

"The FFA is in contact with FIFA ... at this stage we cannot 100 per cent say Brad is not coming back.

"We have decided he needs to be with (his family), as long as he needs to be there.

"It is a very serious matter and we wish him strength and luck and everything that is necessary for him to be with his family and support his family."

Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill said the close-knit squad had been deeply affected by Jones' news - relayed to the players before their 3-1 friendly defeat by the United States on Saturday.

"We consider ourselves a family, and the news we heard ... it was devastating. It hit all the boys for six," Neill said.

"We wish Brad and his family all the strength and the luck they're going to need.

"I'm sure the character that he is, he'll be big and strong for his family. He has our support."

If Jones does officially withdraw and FIFA approves his replacement, Adelaide United goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic - who is training with the team in South Africa - would come into the 23-man squad.

Is indeed sad news. Hope there is a good outcome for all. Thoughts with them.
Zimbos, save your prayers, they do no good expect make you feel like your actually doing something. Stick with reality and hope science will cure. All the best.

And yeah I guess Galekovic is the obvious replacement. But I wonder after experimenting with a 442 vs USA, does Pim still have Scotty's number?

Hope they can cure it. It would be an awful thing to go through.

I wonder if 442 could organise something where the fans could send their best wishes to Brad Jones and his family?

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