Qantas Socceroos head to Canberra Stadium

Football Federation Australia and Canberra Stadium today announced that the Qantas Socceroos will host Malaysia in an international friendly match in Canberra on Friday, October 7, 2011 (8pm kick-off).

Football Federation Australia and Canberra Stadium today announced that the Qantas Socceroos will host Malaysia in an international friendly match in Canberra on Friday, October 7, 2011 (8pm kick-off).

This will be the first meeting between the Qantas Socceroos and Malaysia in Australia and the match will be used as a crucial build-up to the Qantas Socceroos' 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier against Oman at ANZ Stadium in Sydney four days later.

Tickets for both matches will go on-sale to the Football Family on Monday 12 September and to the general public on Thursday 15 September.

The match will be the seventh meeting between the Qantas Socceroos and Malaysia with the six previous matches between the two countries played at venues in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. The last time these two teams met was in 1992 when Malaysia defeated Australia 1-0 in Jakarta.

FFA CEO Ben Buckley said the Malaysia match would be held on a FIFA match date meaning the strongest possible Qantas Socceroos squad would be available for selection.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the people of Canberra to see the Qantas Socceroos in action,” Mr Buckley said.

“This match coincides with the NSW & ACT School holidays calendar and with the end of the grassroots football season, it is a perfect way for fans to connect with their Qantas Socceroos heroes.”

Canberra Stadium General Manager Neale Guthrie said the match against Malaysia would be the highlight of Canberra Stadium-s sporting calendar in 2011 and an opportunity for Canberra to demonstrate its continuing and growing support for the international game.

Mr Guthrie said along with providing world-class sporting entertainment, the match would have a substantial impact on the local economy.

“A significant share of the crowd will come from Sydney and our surrounding regions and that-s good news for our local restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and other local businesses that will benefit from the increased visitation,” Mr Guthrie said.

Chief Executive of Capital Football, Heather Reid, said she was pleased to see international football return to Canberra and said local football fans would relish the chance to see their Socceroo heroes up close at Canberra Stadium.

The Qantas Socceroos, fielding a team made up largely of Hyundai A-League players, last played at Canberra Stadium in March 2009 losing to Kuwait in a 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification match in front of a crowd of more than 20,000.

The Qantas Socceroos will then play Oman at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday 11 October 2011 (Kick-Off 7.30pm).

It will be the Qantas Socceroos third match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The Qantas Socceroos are currently top of Group D with wins over Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

Tickets for both matches go on sale to the Football Family members from 11am (AEST) Monday 12 September. They will be available to the general public from 3pm (AEST) on Thursday 15 September from Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au).

The Malaysia match is proudly supported by Canberra Stadium and Capital Football.

Both matches will be broadcast live and exclusive throughout Australia by FOX SPORTS.

Upcoming Match Details

Qantas Socceroos vs. Malaysia Friday 7 October, 2011 Canberra Stadium, Canberra Kick Off: 8.00pm AEST

Gates Open: 6.00pm

On Sale Dates Football Family: 11am (AEST) Monday 12 September General Public: 3pm (AEST) Thursday 15 September

Ticket Prices Category A - $80 - all tickets Category B - $50 Adult, $25 Concession, $125 Family Category C - $25 Adult, $15 Concession, $65 Family *transaction and credit card fees apply

Tickets available from Ticketek Phone: 132 849. Web: http://www.ticketek.com.au/ Check www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets for further information