June 25 2003

Gavin Heeroo

Mauritius have asked Palace to release midfielder Gavin Heeroo for the forthcoming Indian Ocean Island Games.

Heeroo was born in London, but is eligible to play for Mauritius as his parents come from the island.

The Indian Ocean Island Games run from August 29 to September 7, but it is not a recognised FIFA football tournament, so Palace have no obligation to release him.

The secretary general of the Mauritius Football Association, Sada Vuddamalay said: "The player is excited about wearing the Mauritian shirt but he has broken into the first team squad at Crystal Palace and it will be the start of the new season, so it is a big dilemma."