Football Federation of Australia has been assured the Socceroos World Cup qualifier against Jordan will not be hampered by significant construction taking place at the Amman International Stadium.
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The venue of Australia's crucial qualifying match against their strongest group opponents is said to be capable of staging the fixture despite works taking place as close as the edge of the pitch.
In what loomed as a concern, pipelines were recently excavated throughout the stadium precinct along the perimeter of the playing field.
Jordanian FA staff said workers were laying cables throughout the stadium and the broader precinct as construction continued on Monday afternoon, leaving deep pipelines exposed inside the stadium and along the field.
Jordan trained at the venue behind closed doors on Monday with works halting before the start of their session. FFA staff have assessed the venue throughout recent months though the players will not have access to the Amman International Stadium until Wednesday local time in their last training run before the match.
The FFA staff first inspected the Amman International Stadium six months ago and as recently as last week. They were told by organisers the match will be able to go ahead despite the renovations.
"FFA has visited the match venue on several occasions, dating back to April and is satisfied regarding the state of the playing surface, change rooms and stadium precinct," an FFA spokesman said.
It is not the first time this World Cup qualifying campaign questions have risen over the state of a venue Australia has played at. The standard of facilities, amenities and the playing surface at the Spartak Stadium in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, was heavily criticised. The players and staff anticipate much better conditions in Amman despite the construction.
"FFA is mindful that construction is ongoing due to the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, but is confident the venue will be capable of hosting Thursday's fixture, notwithstanding ongoing works," an FFA spokesman said. "Furthermore, FFA points out that issues relating to the match day venue is administered by the AFC and has full confidence that the match commissioner will ensure the safety of players, officials and spectators."
Despite the Under-17 Women's World Cup not commencing until September 30 next year, Jordan is already gearing up for the tournament with advertisements prominently displayed throughout the capital city.
