Australia friendly with Jordan relocated due to player security concerns

DOHA, Qatar -- Australia's friendly with Jordan has been moved from Amman to Doha, after Socceroos players voiced their reservations about travelling to the Jordanian capital.

Australia were preparing to face reigning Asian champions Qatar at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in a friendly on Friday (1:45am Saturday, AEDT), and then fly to Amman for a meeting with Jordan on Tuesday.

However, sources said the majority of the Australian squad voiced their opposition to travelling after advice from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told citizens to "reconsider" travel "due to the unpredictable security situation in Jordan and the region and the threat of terrorism."

After dashing to the Middle East at the start of the week for talks with the squad -- Australian players' union head Beau Busch and head of player relations Jon McKain have also travelled to Doha, as has Football Australia executive director of football Heather Garriock -- Football Australia chief Martin Kugeler flew to Amman on Wednesday for talks with his Jordanian counterparts.

On Thursday, it was announced that the fixture would shift from the Jordanian capital, with a new venue still to be determined.

"We are very grateful to the Jordan Football Association for accepting to relocate the match," 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.

"I would also like to thank the Australian Embassies in Jordan and Qatar for their support, and the Qatar Football Association, for helping us facilitate the switch."

Initially scheduled as preparation for the Asian Cup, the postponement of that tournament from early 2027 until the end of the year due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia cast an immediate shadow over the Jordanian fixture. Busch said that Socceroos players were "overwhelmingly" of the view that the game should be rescheduled or relocated.

Head coach Tony Popovic, meanwhile, said that any player who chose to withdraw from the squad due to concerns around travel to Amman would not have it held against them in future squad selections -- with sources adding that he and his staff have supported the players throughout their conversations with Football Australia through the week.

While Jordan is generally one of the safest nations in the Middle East, DFAT has placed it at a travel advice level three amid ongoing instability in the region, telling Australians to "reconsider your need to travel." Qatar, in contrast, is set at level two, "exercise a high degree of caution," and players had not voiced objections to playing in the country.

"It's great to have the second match of this FIFA international window, against Jordan, confirmed. We were always confident that a positive outcome would be reached," said Popovic.

"From the outset, our focus has been on playing two matches, and the players are ready for both Qatar and Jordan.

"These are crucial games, as we have limited time together, especially now that the AFC Asian Cup has been rescheduled. This will be our last camp for four months."

Elsewhere, Football Australia confirmed on Thursday that outstanding payments to players for the FIFA World Cup had been made.

"We appreciate the patience shown by players as we worked through the complexities of the North American taxation systems to ensure payments could be made in a compliant manner," a spokesperson said.