Football Federation Australia said last night it would review the rule, which has allowed Central Coast striker Mrdja to play in the Victory's finals and Asian Champions League campaigns then rejoin the Mariners next season. The deal, completed hours before the deadline for injury replacements ended last Friday, created a furore across the league.

Newcastle coach Branko Culina said it made a mockery of the contest while former Socceroo Ross Aloisi labelled it a joke. Fellow title contender Gold Coast United also threatened to sign Robbie Fowler from North Queensland for the finals in its own cheeky response.

The FFA is set to block similar future moves after listening to clubs.

A-League boss Archie Fraser said, ''We're going to review the injury replacement rule at the end of the current season.

''We have listened to clubs, and the feedback about the rule, and it appears there are many people who feel it's not in the right spirit.

''So under that basis it will be reviewed as we review all our regulations at the season's end.''

Fraser defended the rule and the FFA failing to stand in the way of Mrdja's dubious switch as a replacement for defender Billy Celeski, who has been sidelined for four months.

''The rule has been used since the beginning of the A-League [2005] and it was used properly and fairly under the regulations, the process was correct; however, the rule and its use will be looked at,'' he said.

''There have been many players who have been replaced and changed clubs under that rule, Charlie Miller and John Aloisi, a whole range of players. This one is slightly different with the timing at the end of the year and the fact he indicated he may head back to Central Coast.''

Meantime, Coast owner and chairman Clive Palmer has sent a letter in response to his code of conduct citing after his accusations of corruption against the FFA, alleging officials want the grand final in Sydney or Melbourne.

AAP