“We have asked (organisers) to provide extra security in team and AFC hotels as well as police escorts for all official activities including training and matches in addition to (an) increase in security across all venues,” AFC General-Secretary Alex Soosay said.

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

The statement followed the storming by police commandos of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe where an Iranian-born gunman had seized a number of hostages and held them in a 16-hour standoff.

The gunman and two hostages were killed, while six others were wounded.

The Asian Cup - the region’s international-side championship - will be staged in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne from January 9 to 31.

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

Originally published as Asian Cup security concerns after Sydney siege