Sports

Australia’s Friendly with Jordan Relocated to Doha Amid Security Concerns

By Al Jazeera Staff

Australia’s upcoming friendly against Jordan, originally scheduled for Amman, has been moved to Doha. Football Australia announced the change on Friday after security concerns were raised about playing the fixture in Amman. Late last month, Jordan launched air strikes in Syria in retaliation for a church attack that killed nine people and injured 40. While such attacks are rare in the relatively stable United States ally, a security officer was killed and another wounded in a stabbing attack in Amman this month. Australia, who are set to face Qatar in Doha later on Friday, had been preparing to travel to Jordan for the Tuesday game. The relocation followed a statement from Professional Footballers Australia last week that the players had “overwhelmingly” expressed a view that the match should be moved. “We are very grateful to the Jordan Football Association for accepting to relocate the match,” FA CEO Martin Kugeler said in a statement. “We know how much the Jordan team and fans were looking forward to welcoming the Socceroos to Amman. The dialogue with the JFA has been nothing but open, respectful and collaborative. They were wonderful hosts in Amman this week, and I thank them for their professionalism and flexibility. We look forward to welcoming Jordan to Australia in the future.” Jordan also cancelled their international friendly against Indonesia at the request of the Indonesian FA. Australia’s friendlies against Qatar and Jordan were intended to be part of their preparations for the Asian Cup, which was postponed until December next year following attacks on host nation Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi forces.