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Socceroos Squad Shaken by Safety Fears
8 Nov
Summary
- Player safety concerns impact Socceroos squad selection for upcoming matches.
- Match against Jordan is in doubt due to regional unrest and safety assessments.
- Asian Cup postponed to 2027 amid security worries in host nation Saudi Arabia.
Football Australia is closely monitoring security ahead of the Socceroos' planned friendlies in the Middle East, resulting in an under-strength squad named due to player safety concerns. The team is scheduled to play Qatar in Doha on November 13 and Jordan in Amman on November 17.
However, the match against Jordan is uncertain, with ongoing security assessments and advice being provided to players and staff. This cautious approach stems from wider security concerns that have also led to the postponement of the Asian Cup from January to December 2027. The tournament's host, Saudi Arabia, has faced security threats.
Professional Footballers Australia has urged that the Jordan match should not proceed as planned, with players overwhelmingly supporting a reschedule or relocation. Coach Tony Popovic has named a squad featuring seven potential debutants, focusing on future development for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and the delayed Asian Cup.
