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Football Federation Australia scraps Socceroos, Matildas European plans

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Europe's worsening coronavirus situation has forced FFA to scrap plans for the Socceroos and Matildas to play friendly matches and training camps on the continent.

The FFA said "ongoing and evolving risks associated with COVID-19" had brought to a halt plans to bring both squads together in November's international window.

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The Socceroos had been eyeing internationals against England and the United States in London next month, while the Matildas were due to come together in camp as a group for the first time under new coach Tony Gustavsson.

"Over past months, FFA has undertaken scenario planning for numerous match and/or training camp options in Europe for both the Socceroos and Westfield Matildas to enable the players, together with their coaches and support staff, to assemble in the final FIFA window of 2020," FFA said in a statement.

"Regrettably, the ongoing and worsening COVID-19 landscape across Europe has provided complexities and risks to assemble players from across Europe and Asia and, following the latest advice from medical professionals, FFA will not be proceeding with activities in Europe at this time."

The November break is the final international window of 2020.

The news means the Socceroos -- who were last in action in November 2019 -- are now set to go without international football for the entire calendar year.

The Matildas' last competitive game was a 2-1 win over Vietnam in March -- when Ante Milicic was coach -- which saw them complete qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.