The Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier in Bangladesh next month was thrown into doubt on Thursday when Football Federation Australia (FFA) officially notified FIFA of their security fears.
With Cricket Australia expected to call off their tour of Bangladesh where two Tests were due to begin next Friday, Australia’s football chiefs announced their own concerns about playing in the South Asian nation.
The group-topping Socceroos are due to take on Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 17.
Cricket Australia on Sunday delayed their scheduled departure to Bangladesh after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) warned militants may be planning attacks on Australian interests in the country.
The death of an Italian aid worker in Dhaka’s diplomatic quarter — shot three times on Monday night in a murder claimed by Islamic State group — escalated safety fears.
“FFA is concerned about the security situation in Bangladesh and will continue ongoing discussions with DFAT, relevant government agencies and security experts,” the body said.
“FFA has formally raised the matter with FIFA and AFC (Asian Football Confederation).”
The Socceroos faced heightened security issues around their September World Cup qualifier in Dushanbe, capital of troubled central Asian nation Tajikistan. – Agence France-Presse
