Australia midfielder Mark Bresciano has asked the top court in international sports to overturn his four-month ban by FIFA, even though the appeal could cost him a place at the World Cup.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport says it registered an appeal by Bresciano and the Qatari club Al Gharafa. Soccer's governing body said the team should serve a one-year transfer ban for luring the player to break a contract with Al Nasr in the United Arab Emirates.
The court says Bresciano and Al Gharafa want the sanctions frozen while the case proceeds. The court's verdict is expected in about four months.
If Bresciano loses, the four-month ban would include the World Cup in Brazil. The 33-year-old player was selected for Australia's past two World Cup teams.
