RANGERS' decision to strip Craig Moore of the club
captaincy and place him on the transfer list has attracted criticism from John Howard, the Australian prime minister, and Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA.
Alex McLeish, the Rangers manager, confirmed the move this week after Moore insisted he wanted to play for his
country in next month's Olympic Games in Athens.
Relations between McLeish and the central defender have been strained since the end of last season, when Moore said he would wait to see the quality of Rangers' summer signings before deciding whether or not to commit his future to the club.
The dispute has made headline news in the player's homeland and Howard yesterday entered the debate. He said: ''My initial reaction is one of disappointment. I never like to see people suffer because they want to play for Australia, but I don't know all the details of it.''
Blatter also disagreed with the actions of the Ibrox club. He said: ''To participate in the Olympic Games is an honour. It is an honour for the player, but it should also be an honour for the club. The experience would benefit both the player and the club.''
Moore will link up with the Australian squad in London this weekend. They fly out next week to Asia, playing friendly matches in Japan and South Korea before moving to their Olympic training HQ in Crete.
Frank Farina, the Australia coach, said he had first asked Moore 18 months ago to be part of their line-up in Athens.
He said: ''It [playing in the Olympics] has been a desire of his since he missed the 1996 Atlanta Games through injury. I take my hat off to him. He gave his word when I first asked him and this [the Olympics] is what he wants to do.''
Rangers were unavailable for comment yesterday. Moore's agent, John Viola, has already started seeking a (pounds) 1m move for his client. Blackburn Rovers are believed to head the list of interested clubs, with Newcastle United and Everton also keen.
Chris Burke, Page 4
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