A-League bid assists Socceroos to Canberra?

The Canberra Times understands a decision on the location for the first game could be made in the next two weeks.

Barr said the opportunity came about because of discussions with the FFA about Canberra's bid for an A-League team.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/soccer/canberra-a-chance-at-hosting-roos/1401357.aspx

The ACT Government is in discussions with the Football Federation of Australia about hosting a Socceroos game at Canberra Stadium this year.

Initial talks were held late last year about the possibility of a Socceroos Asian Cup qualifying game being held in Canberra.


Sports Minister Andrew Barr said yesterday, ''We are in discussions with the FFA about hosting a Socceroos game and with a great stadium like Canberra Stadium, if the FFA are looking to take the game outside the major metropolitan centres, then we think Canberra would be a fantastic place to do that.''


There are two Asian Cup qualifiers already in the calendar this year, one on March5 against Kuwait and the other November14 against Oman.

Neither has a venue assigned.

Canberra Stadium is one of several venues across Australia vying for a fixture.

The Canberra Times understands a decision on the location for the first game could be made in the next two weeks.

Barr said the opportunity came about because of discussions with the FFA about Canberra's bid for an A-League team.


Canberra Stadium is already hosting one international football game this year, with the Wallabies playing a Test against Italy on June13.


Meanwhile, Canberra may host an international involving the Matildas as soon as the end of the month.


Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is trying to set up some friendly games against a European opponent at the end of January and start of February and Canberra is in line to host one of a possible two matches.

Canberra United chief executive Heather Reid was confident the ACT's success in the W-League would help the capital's claim to host an elite women's soccer game.