Socceroo Mabil willing to travel to Middle East for friendlies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 00:50 · Archive

Socceroo Awer Mabil says he is willing to travel to the Middle East for upcoming friendlies despite regional instability.

Socceroos veteran Awer Mabil has stated his willingness to travel to the Middle East for upcoming friendlies against Qatar in Doha and Jordan in Amman, despite some players expressing reluctance to make the trip.

The Asian Football Confederation postponed the Asian Cup from January to December 2027 following an attack on Riyadh airport by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The friendlies no longer serve as key Asian Cup preparation, which has contributed to some players' reluctance to travel to the region.

Mabil, 31, said he remains committed to representing Australia. 'I'm always happy to be selected for the national team and representing your country,' he said. 'I think it's the best honour that you can have as a player.' He expressed confidence in the Football Federation's security measures and stated that if selected, 'my hand is up to go anywhere'.

Coach Tony Popovic's future had been thrown into uncertainty by the Asian Cup postponement, but Mabil backed the manager. The Socceroos squad was expected to be named on Friday but is now likely to be confirmed over the weekend.

Socceroo Mabil willing to travel to Middle East for friendlies — Image: Perth Now

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How it is being reported

'My hand is up': Socceroo happy to go to Middle EastSome Socceroos have trepidation about travelling to Doha and Jordan for upcoming friendlies, but veteran Awer Mabil isn't one of them.Perth Now · 6 Nov, 00:17
'My hand is up': Socceroo happy to go to Middle EastSome Socceroos have trepidation about travelling to Doha and Jordan for upcoming friendlies, but veteran Awer Mabil isn't one of them.The West Australian · 6 Nov, 00:17

In this story: Awer Mabil · Tony Popovic · Qatar · Jordan · Australia · Yemen

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