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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has called on the organising committee for the 2015 Asian Cup to improve security provisions following this week's hostage siege in Sydney.

While the AFC offered its “deepest condolences to the families and friends of the hostages who lost their lives during the unfortunate crisis in Sydney” it also “expressed serious concerns over the safety and security of teams, media and fans during the AFC Asian Cup ... following the incident.”

As a result, the AFC added that it had “asked the Australian Local Organising Committee (ALOC) to increase security measures around the competition.”

In a strongly-worded statement released less than 24 hours after the siege came to a bloody conclusion in a cafe in Sydney’s business district, AFC General Secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay said that the AFC “is concerned about the developments in Sydney and can in no way put the safety of the players, fans and media at stake.”

Soosay added that ALOC has been working hard to prepare for the competition, “but the well-being of all the stakeholders cannot be compromised.

“Thousands of media and fans will be travelling to Australia for the competition, apart from 16 teams, and their security is our utmost priority.

“We have asked ALOC to provide extra security in team and AFC hotels, as well as police escorts for all official activities including training and matches and an increase in security across all venues.

“The AFC has no doubt that ALOC, together with its government, will fulfil the AFC’s request.”

“Australia has successfully hosted many prestigious events in the past, but the recent developments cannot be taken lightly.

“I would like to assure the teams, fans and the media that ALOC will do whatever necessary to provide the best security cover around the competition and everyone will enjoy the best-ever AFC Asian Cup.”

The Asian Cup will take place in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne between 9th and 31st January.

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