8 Jun 2013

Apology after Jordan coach detained by Australian immigration

9:07 am on 8 June 2013

Australia's foreign minister has apologised to the Jordanian ambassador over an incident at Melbourne Airport, where the country's football coach was detained by immigration officials.

Adnan Hamad was held for around four hours and questioned by officials after arriving with his team from New Zealand in preparation for Jordan's World Cup qualifier against Australia next Tuesday.

The Jordanian Football Association says the their delegation had completed all the necessary paperwork.

Australia's Department of Immigration and Citizenship says the coach had been referred by customs officers to immigration officials to confirm his immigration status.

The Jordanian Football Association has complained that no-one helped them with their entry into Australia, as agreed with Football Federation Australia.