Matildas captain Sam Kerr has welcomed the decision to move Asian women's Olympic qualifying matches to Sydney amid
The FFA and AFC announced next month's six matches in Group B of the final round of Olympic qualifiers will be played in Australia after China withdrew as a host on Sunday.
The matches, which involve China, Taiwan and Thailand as well as the Matildas, had already been moved from Wuhan to Nanjing due to Wuhan being identified as the source of the illness.
Kerr took to social media to express her thanks to authorities for the move.
"Thanks to everyone @FFA for putting the team's safety first & getting this done in such a short time frame. Thoughts are with China!," Kerr posted on Twitter.
Organisers have moved the Olympic qualifiers from China to Sydney due to the coronavirus outbreak. Source: Icon Sportswire
FFA chairman Chris Nikou said the national body was happy to take on hosting duties following China's withdrawal.
"The safety of all players, officials and fans is of paramount importance to Football Federation Australia and the Asian Football Confederation, and we are confident we will host a successful tournament here in Sydney," Nikou said.
It's expected the schedule, kick-off times, broadcast and ticketing information will be announced in the coming days.
FFA chairman Chris Nikou. Source: AAP
The top two sides from Group B progress to home and away playoffs with the top two teams from Group A for Asia's final two places at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Japan have already qualified as hosts while Group A will be played in South Korea with the hosts facing Myanmar, North Korea and Vietnam.
with AAP...
