The Central Coast Mariners have been rocked by the news that their number one shot-stopper Danny Vukovic has been suspended by the match review panel for 15 months.
Although six months of the suspension have been suspended on a probationary basis for a year, Vukovic will have to serve nine months on the sidelines.
Central Coast coach Lawrie McKinna is now faced with the prospect of being without Vukovic for the first three months of the next Hyundai A-League season.
The 22-year-old will not be able to play in Australia's national league until November 24.
The FFA is still deciding as to whether the suspension should apply to national duties as well and as Vukovic is the Olyroos' first-choice custodian, his trip to the Oylmpic Games in August is now in jeopardy.
If Vukovic elects to appeal the decision, he has seven days to do so.
Meanwhile, Vukovic's team-mate Sasho Petrovski has also been cited for using an abusive gesture towards a match official during Sunday's controversial grand final and the disciplinary committee will conduct the hearing.
Furthermore, Central Coast will have to explain to football's national governing body why it shouldn't be sanctioned for team misconduct during the grand final under the FFA national disciplinary regulations.