Sydney FC confirmed Akol Akon would be released for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar if selected. With the tournament falling outside an international window, Sydney FC had no obligation to release him.
Sydney FC statement
Sydney FC Executive Vice Chairman Sebastian Gray said in a statement the club's goal “has always been to give our young players every opportunity to represent their country. 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.”
Work with Football Australia
Gray said: “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.”
Garriock's earlier comments
Earlier in the week, Football Australia executive director of football Heather Garriock said: “We’re disappointed for Akol that he won’t have that opportunity,”
She also said: “We understand the tournament falls during the A-League season and outside the FIFA international window, however, we believe the experience of a World Cup would have benefited not only Akol, but Sydney FC and Australian football more broadly.”
Garriock added: “We’ll continue to work collaboratively with clubs to give our best young players every opportunity to represent their country.”