FIFA has cleared all the misconduct charges against Australia ahead of its 2022 World Cup bid. FIFA wrote to FFA on Friday to say there were no grounds to open a case and the matter was closed. FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said he was pleased reports published in Fairfax newspapers were shown to have no substance. FFA has opened legal proceedings against Fairfax over the reports, which alleged the FFA had used various financial incentives to gain favour with FIFA committee members.

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Australia coach Pim Verbeek will probably have to make do without experienced defender Patrick Kisborno at this summer's World Cup after the 28-year-old sustained an Achilles injury.

Kisborno picked up the injury in Leeds United's home match against Millwall on Monday and was forced to leave the pitch after only eight minutes of play.

"I am absolutely gutted for Patrick. His dream was to play in the World Cup and it looks like that dream has been shattered," Leeds manager Simon Grayson was quoted as saying by reporters.