Leeds manager David O'Leary is on a collision course with FIFA after his defiant insistence that Harry Kewell will not be allowed to play in two friendlies for Australia later this month.

FIFA, football's world governing body, have confirmed that Soccer Australia have grounds for an appeal to force Leeds to release their star midfielder.

Kewell has admitted he is "gutted" he will miss out on the first match, against Brazil, with the friendlies coinciding with a 10-day break while England and Scotland meet in the Euro 2000 play- offs.

The 21-year-old was especially keen to play in the game against Ronaldo and Co on November 14 as it is being held in his home town of Sydney and is also Frank Farina's first game as national coach.

An adamant O'Leary said: "I am sorry to disappoint the Australian nation, I am sorry to disappoint the player and sorry to disappoint his family, who would have been looking forward to seeing their son back on home soil.

"But the bottom line is that Harry is a young player and I've got to look after him. It's only the beginning of November and already we are having a very hard season.

"Harry will one day be a truly great player and it's my duty to help him along that path.

"Harry and his manager (Farina) will argue that the match has come during a lull in the Premiership, this time because of the Euro 2000 qualifier between England and Scotland.

"But it's my view that it is the ideal opportunity for him to have a well-earned rest."

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, O'Leary added: "The game places extraordinary demands on top players and we must take care of them."