Socceroos confirmed for East Asian Cup

Football Federation Australia have confirmed the Socceroos will compete in the East Asian Cup in 2013.

Australia’s men’s and women’s teams will compete and are required to qualify for the tournament, with qualifying tournaments being held from November 20 to 24 in Shenzhen, China for the Matildas, and December 1 to 9 in Hong Kong for the Socceroos.

FFA chief executive officer Ben Buckley said via a statement on Thursday the tournament – held concurrently in July 2013 in Seoul – would provide a tangible link between Australia and the emerging soccer regions in Asia, while also allowing emerging players to experience international football.

“Our participation will enrich Australia’s engagement with the fastest growing football region in Asia, including Japan, South Korea and China,” he said.

“Emerging Socceroos and Matildas will get the chance to gain valuable international experience, especially those who play in the A-League and W-League.”

Buckley acknowledged the timing of the qualifying tournaments will disrupt A-League and W-League schedules, but insisted that the positives outweighed the negatives.

“There may be players away on international duty during the Westfield W-League season in November and Hyundai A-League season in December, but that’s part and parcel of the world game. We’ll make sure that is carefully managed,” he said.

If the Socceroos are successful in qualifying, they will join permanent participants China, South Korea and Japan in the tournament proper.

The Matildas could join Japan, South Korea and North Korea in the main draw.

The Socceroos will face qualifying competition from Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong and North Korea, while the Matildas will take on China, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong.