Vukovic was initially suspended for 14 months by Football Federation Australia for slapping the arm of Mark Shield during the final moments of the Grand Final, which Central Coast lost 1-0, but that penalty was later altered on appeal.

In April, an Independent Appeals Committee suspended Vukovic from all games up to June 24, 2008 and from all games from August 29 to October 6, while a suspended sentence was imposed for a further six months.

But FIFA has acted against the interrupted suspension, which it says is contrary to the spirit of its regulations.

FIFA said that it has the responsibility for determining suspensions to apply to international competitions.

Its statement said it has a duty to prevent players who have committed a serious infringement and who are suspended from playing in domestic competition from competing in international competition.

He has been banned from all international fixtures from February 25, 2008 until January 25, 2009 with the final four and a half months suspended.

FFA has said it will not appeal the decision, but Vukovic can decide to go it alone.

A statement from the FFA this afternoon said: "Football Federation Australia confirms that it has received advice from FIFA today that Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic, is not eligible to play in international competition with effect from 25 February 2008 to 25 January 2009.

"The effect of FIFA's decision is to rule him out of the Beijing Olympic Games."

It added: "Vukovic’s suspension arises from a red card offence at the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final in February this year.

"The ban imposed by FIFA is suspended from 6 October 2008 to 25 January 2009 subject to no further infringement up to, and including, 25 January 2009.

"At the national level Vukovic's sanction continues to apply to domestic competition in accordance with the penalty handed down in April by an Independent Appeals Committee comprised of John Sackar QC, Michael Christie SC and former professional player, Jeromy Harris.

"The Independent Appeals Committee suspended Vukovic from all games up to 24 June 2008 and from all games from 29 August 2008 – 25 January 2009 inclusive, with the period from 6 October 2008 – 25 January 2009 suspended, subject to no further infringement in the period up to, and including 25 January 2009, and also fined Vukovic $10,000."

But the FFA revealed: "Under FIFA regulations, FFA is required to refer a player suspension to FIFA in respect of the worldwide effect of the player ban.

"FIFA’s decision noted that it has the responsibility for determining suspensions to apply to international competitions.

"It has a duty to prevent players who have committed a serious infringement and who are suspended from playing in domestic competition from competing in international competition.

"FIFA also noted that interruption of the suspension at international level under the sanction imposed by the Independent Appeals Committee would be contrary “to the spirit” of FIFA's regulations.

"Under FIFA regulations both FFA and Danny Vukovic have a right of appeal. FFA will not appeal FIFA’s decision."