Socceroos players are refusing to travel to Jordan for an upcoming friendly match due to security concerns, prompting Football Australia executives to seek urgent alternatives.
While the senior men’s squad remains in Doha to face Qatar on Saturday, the scheduled November 18 fixture in Amman is in doubt. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians to reconsider travel to Jordan because of an unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.
Football Australia officials seek solutions
Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler flew to Amman on Wednesday to hold crisis talks with the Jordan Football Association, ESPN reported. He is joined in the Middle East by executive director of football Heather Garriock, who arrived in Doha to meet with players. Garriock told Network 10 that discussions with the players have been effective and that coach Tony Popovic remains keen to play both scheduled matches.
Several relocation and cancellation options are currently under consideration:
- Playing the Jordan fixture in Doha, though ESPN reports both Qatari and Jordanian associations have shown reluctance toward this proposal.
- Moving the match to southern Europe.
- Cancelling or postponing the game entirely.
The significance of the match has shifted following the postponement of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup to December 2027 due to conflict in Saudi Arabia. Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) boss Beau Busch has also travelled to Doha to consult with the squad.
Busch previously said that players have overwhelmingly expressed that the Jordan match should be rescheduled or relocated. “Last week the players overwhelmingly expressed their view that the Jordan match should be rescheduled or relocated,” a PFA spokesman said. “This position has not changed.”
Popovic promises no selection penalties
Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has addressed player concerns by stating that those who withdraw from the squad for security reasons will not face blacklisting. ABC News reported that Popovic insists there will be no future selection repercussions for players who elect not to travel to Amman.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the second match, the squad is focused on their immediate fixture. The 25-man roster includes seven potential debutants, including Diesel Herrington and Thomas Waddingham, Fox Sports reported.
Diesel Herrington, a defender for the Central Coast Mariners, joins his brother Lucas Herrington, who plays for Hull City, in the camp. “It’s great to see him again – it has been unreal,” Diesel Herrington said of his brother Lucas. It’s been really good. I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
Comparison of international squad changes
The November window features many new players in the Socceroos lineup compared to previous call-ups.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Squad Size | 25 players |
| New Call-ups | 8 players |
Socceroos security and travel FAQ
Will the Socceroos still play Qatar?
Yes, the match against reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar is scheduled to take place in Doha on November 13. CommBank Socceroos official updates indicate no indications that the Friday game is in jeopardy. All 24 members of the Socceroos squad have arrived in Doha.
Why are players reluctant to go to Jordan?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued warnings regarding the threat of terrorism and an unpredictable security environment in the region. PFA boss Beau Busch said that players have expressed a collective desire to move the game to a safer location.
Is the US under-17 team also withdrawing from Qatar?
“We will have an eye on continuing to evolve the squad for the future, with our FIFA World Cup 2030 qualifying campaign and the AFC Asian Cup both now in the second half of 2027,” Popovic said.
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