Football Australia moves Jordan friendly to Doha over safety concerns

Football Australia confirmed on 13 November that its friendly against Jordan would move from Amman to Doha after Australian players raised concerns about security in Jordan. The match had originally been scheduled as a home fixture for Jordan.

The Jordan Football Association agreed to the request after its acting general secretary, Farah Badarneh, met Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler in Amman, Football Australia said.

Players sought a change

The previous week, Professional Footballers Australia chief Beau Busch said the players had overwhelmingly wanted the game rescheduled or relocated. On 12 November, ABC said players remained unwilling to travel to Jordan. Football Australia had wanted the match to go ahead in Jordan and said it was monitoring security in the region. ABC reported that chief executive Martin Kugeler, football director Heather Garriock, Busch and men’s head of player relations Jon McKain flew to Doha that week.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Jordan because of the unpredictable security situation and threat of terrorism.

Football Australia chair Anter Isaac said the move had significant implications for Jordan, its supporters and partners. Kugeler said Jordan’s team and fans had looked forward to hosting Australia in Amman.

Two matches in Doha

Australia is scheduled to play Qatar in Doha on 13 November and will then remain in Qatar rather than travel to Jordan. Coach Tony Popovic said keeping the second friendly mattered because the team had limited time together and this would be its last camp for four months.

The Jordan match is scheduled for 17 November 2026. Football Australia has yet to confirm the Doha stadium or kickoff time.