Football authorities relocated an upcoming international match between Australia and Jordan to Qatar on Tuesday, citing security concerns.
Australia were originally scheduled to travel to Jordan for the fixture. Instead, the team will face Qatar in Doha.
The decision followed an intervention by Professional Footballers Australia last week. The players union stated that Australian team members had overwhelmingly expressed their view that the game should be moved out of Jordan.
Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler issued a statement regarding the venue change and thanked the Jordan Football Association for agreeing to it.
"We are very grateful to the Jordan Football Association for accepting to relocate the match," Kugeler said.
He acknowledged the disappointment for local fans and the national team. "We know how much the Jordan team and fans were looking forward to welcoming the Socceroos to Amman," he added.
Kugeler also praised the collaborative approach of Jordanian football officials during discussions. "The dialogue with the JFA has been nothing but open, respectful and collaborative," he noted.
"They were wonderful hosts in Amman this week, and I thank them for their professionalism and flexibility," Kugeler stated, adding that Australia looks forward to welcoming Jordan in the future.
Security in Jordan has faced recent challenges. Late last month, Jordan launched air strikes in Syria in retaliation for a church attack that left nine people dead and 40 injured.
Attacks of this nature remain rare in Jordan, which functions as a relatively stable United States ally. However, a security officer was killed and another wounded in a stabbing attack in Amman this month.
Jordan also cancelled an international friendly against Indonesia last week at the request of the Indonesian FA.
The fixtures were arranged as preparations for the Asian Cup. Tournament organisers postponed the Asian Cup until December next year following attacks on host nation Saudi Arabia by Yemen-based Houthi forces.
