Socceroos seek new date or venue for Jordan friendly over safety concerns
The players’ union says there is overwhelming support for changing the Amman fixture, while Australia’s squad announcement has been delayed.
Socceroos players want Football Australia to move their friendly against Jordan out of Amman or change its date because of security concerns, according to Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
PFA chief executive Beau Busch said the union had consulted independent security specialists while discussing concerns with Football Australia over recent weeks. He said an overwhelming majority of players supported relocating or rescheduling the Jordan match, and the union backed their position.
Australia’s itinerary has the team playing Qatar in Doha before facing Jordan four days later. The squad announcement has been deferred until the weekend, with uncertainty over possible player withdrawals. Indonesia’s football association has already called off its planned 13 November friendly in Amman amid escalating violence in the area.
The Asian Cup’s postponement has also reduced the friendlies’ importance as preparation for that tournament, which had been scheduled for January-February in Saudi Arabia.
Winger Awer Mabil, 31, expressed a different view, saying he was willing to travel if selected. He said representing Australia was an honour and he trusted Football Australia to make security arrangements that would not put players at risk.
