Because of his refusal to recognise the status of the so-called Super Series Test match in Sydney in 2004 between Australia and a Rest of the World XI.
Now, with six Olympic 2012 wins under its belt, including its Tuesday defeat of Canada with a score of 91-48, the team is looking to hold onto its juggernaut status on Aug. 11 by beating the winner of the Aug. 9 match-up between Australia and China.
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia's future was as uncertain as the club's Premier League status before the game and, although the Black Cats survived, he stood down after the match.