Australia's Professional Footballers Association disputed Football Federation Australia's ban on writing newspaper columns and giving interviews by saying that the players are "mature enough" to handle them.

Socceroos Coach Guus Hiddink has issued a directive which bans players from writing to newspaper columns and personal diaries (web blogs) from the start of May's training camp until the end of Australia's appearance in the World Cup Finals.

Australia's Dutch Coach wants his players to focus only on the tournament and nothing else. Hiddink feels that if players enter into employment agreements with newspapers and media organisations, they will get distracted.

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) disputes the directive, saying it was not the outcome of an agreement with the players.

PFA's chief executive John Didulica "I have spoken to some players and they say they are mature enough to handle such responsibilities... I can understand the logic but some players may have pre-existing deals."

"We have had a good relationship resolving issues with the FFA but what players can and can't do will ultimately be determined by the collective agreement," Didulica said at a press conference.

FFA high performance manager John Boultbee said that the Federation fully backs Hiddink's demand, as it is best for the team. However some players already have some contracts with media organisations. Socceroos captain Mark Viduka was writing for the Telegraph during Australia's crucial playoffs against Uruguay.

"We fully support Guus... We have not put a blanket ban on the players. They will be available for interviews," Boultbee said.

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