Socceroos call Queensland home

The Socceroos are set to put Queensland on the world football map with a landmark new agreement between Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Queensland Government.

The Socceroos are set to put Queensland on the world football map with a landmark new agreement between Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Queensland Government.

FFA has today signed a five year agreement with the Queensland Government which means Queensland will play host to the Socceroos for five matches in five years.

"This is a smart move for us and we believe it's a smart move for Queensland too," said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.

"From our perspective, it means the Socceroos can have confidence in their home games enjoying a great level of support from passionate fans of football in Queensland.

"We played here earlier this year against Iraq and we chose to come here again next month for another crucial World Cup qualifier against Qatar, because the team feels well and truly at home," Buckley said.

"We also appreciate the work and commitment of Stadiums Queensland in providing world class facilities both on and off the field."

Buckley said that Queensland boasts some of the best dedicated football stadiums in Australia.

"This agreement also puts Brisbane and Queensland at the forefront of governments, the corporate sector and fans around the world."

The Socceroos qualify for the FIFA World Cup and the Asian Cup through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) which has 46 member nations throughout Asia and the Middle East.

"But Socceroos matches are also broadcast elsewhere in the world including Europe, the UK and North America in significant numbers."

Buckley said that earlier this year, in China alone, almost 5 million locals tuned-in to watch a World Cup qualifying match that was staged in Australia.

Announcing the agreement with Queensland Sports Minister, Judy Spence, at Suncorp Stadium today, Buckley said that the five matches include:

* 3 x FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including the match against Qatar on 15 October and two qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup; * 1 x AFC Asian Cup qualifier for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup; and * 1 x international friendly match.

At least four of the five matches, including all three FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will be held at Suncorp Stadium with the capacity for either the Asian Cup qualifier or the international friendly match to be played at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville or Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.

Buckley said that, fresh from their outstanding win against Uzbekistan last week, the Socceroos are looking forward to playing at home to a full house and vocal support from Queenslanders to help the players on the journey to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Tickets for the 15 October match at Suncorp Stadium are available from Ticketek or agencies.