Sydney FC today confirmed alongside Football Australia that star midfielder Akol Akon will be made available to play at the FIFA U-17 World Cup should he be selected.
The Sky Blues said that they’d been working in close consultation with FA and Joey’s head coach Carl Veart to find a solution to allow Akol to play while avoiding compromising their own squad depth.
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“Sydney FC already has seven players away with the Junior Matildas at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and expects several young men, including Akol, to be involved in the men’s tournament,” the club said in a statement on their website.
“Both organisations share the same commitment: developing young Australian players in the best possible way, for their own futures and for the future of the game in this country.”
Akol’s potential inclusion or otherwise in the squad had been the cause of significant debate, including on the show Total A-Leagues hosted by Adam Peacock, Vince Rugari and Daniel McBreen.
Sydney FC’s Executive Vice Chairman Sebastian Gray explained that the Sky Blues are committed to allowing the opportunity for all their players to represent their national sides, but underlined that the club has to weight up their own ambitions in the A-League Men.
“Our goal has always been to give our young players every opportunity to represent their country,” he said on the club website.
“As the biggest club in Australia, we see developing the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas as a responsibility to the national game, and one we take seriously.
“There are times, like this one, when we have to balance that with our own squad and our ambition to win trophies for Sydney FC.
“We’ve worked hard alongside Football Australia to find the right solution, and we’re delighted Akol will have this opportunity if selected.
“Having seven of our young women at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, and hopefully several of our young men at the men’s tournament, shows the strength of our Academy and the partnership we have with Football Australia.”
Heather Garriock, Football Australia Executive Director of Football, said that FA welcomed Sydney FC’s decision.
“[Football Australia] thank Sebastian Gray, Patrick Kisnorbo and the club for the work they’ve done to find a solution that allows Akol Akon to be considered for the Joeys’ squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup,” she said as part of Sydney FC’s statement.
“Sydney FC has a proud record of producing national team players, and having a strong contingent with the Junior Matildas at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup speaks for itself.
“Our position has always been that representing Australia at a FIFA World Cup is a special experience that benefits the player, their club and Australian football.
“We’re pleased Akol may now have that opportunity, and we’ll keep working closely with Sydney FC and all clubs to give our best young players every chance to represent their country.”
The FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 19, with the Joeys facing Argentina on the opening day of the tournament in Al Rayyan.
Their group also includes Denmark and Mozambique.
In the meantime Akol remains available for Sydney FC’s game against Adelaide at Allianz Stadium this coming Sunday.
Grab your tickets for that match here.
