Australian league goalkeeper Danny Vukovic has had his nine-month ban for manhandling referee Mark Shields reduced to six months and split to allow him to play at the Beijing Olympics.

Vukovic, who plays for the Central Coast Mariners club, was initially suspended for 15 months after being sent off during the A-League final in February. The ban was later reduced to nine months on appeal.

An independent committee ruled yesterday that his suspension be further reduced, Football Federation Australia said in a statement.

"The effect of the appeals committee decision means that Vukovic will not be eligible to play in the A-League competition again until Oct. 6, but he is eligible for selection to the Australian Olympic team," the FFA said.

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