It's not as if Leeds aren't having a horrendous season as is. They are nearly bankrupt, and are hovering over the pit of relegation by a frayed thread. Their fans must be asking, "what else could happen?"

Well, that is the one question you should never ask, isn't it?

With a huge match looming against Manchester United this weekend, Leeds find out a few days before the match that Mark Viduka will be ineligible. Why? Injury? Drugs? Arrest? Abduction by space aliens?

No. Even more unbelievable than the space aliens angle, the Australian Soccer Association invoked a FIFA regulation to punish Viduka for not taking part in the recent Australia v Venezuela friendly. Yes, you read that right. The ASA kept Leeds from using their best player in a league match.

Note the two operative terms there. Venezuela. Friendly.

Viduka's club, you know, the ones who pay his wages, desperately needed a result against ManU (well, let's face it, they desperately need a result, PERIOD). Viduka is still recovering from a minor injury as well. Is it surprising he doesn't want to fly to Caracas in the middle of the week for a friendly?

If you were Mark Viduka, would you ever play for Australia again? If you were a European club, would you be willing to shell out money for Australian players? If you were an Australian, would you be calling for the head of the moron who made this decision?

I'm not sure if the ASA is a government entity, but this level of stupidity suggests it is.

But, as so often happens in these situations, adversity brought strength. Leeds played heroically Saturday, coming from behind in the second half to pull out a 1-1 draw. Which, if you're Leeds, is like a win. You've never seen such spirited play, such heroic defending, such fight. It was good to watch.

So here's to you, Mr. Faceless Australian Soccer Bureaucrat: