The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is seeking to move the home World Cup qualifier against Australia on November 15 out of the country amid mourning for the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
A number of domestic sport competitions, including soccer and golf tournaments, has been cancelled or postponed out of respect for the long-reigning monarch who died on Thursday at the age of 88 in a Bangkok hospital.
The FAT said it had consulted with world governing body FIFA and written to Australia and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to ask if the match could be re-located.
“Changing the time for the match isn’t an option, so the match must definitely be on,” FAT spokesman Patit Supapong told Reuters on Saturday.
“We have discussed two options with FIFA. First, we’re hoping for an agreement with Australia to let us play an away match first. Second, we might have to find a neutral venue to play if the first option fails.”
Football Federation Australia (FFA) said it was waiting for advice from FIFA and the AFC.
“Football Federation Australia is currently awaiting official notification from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation on the status of the … qualifier,” a FFA spokesperson said in a statement.
Thailand have lost all four of their qualifiers and are bottom of Asia’s Group B, which is led by Saudi Arabia on 10 points.
Australia, held to a 1-1 draw by Japan in Melbourne on Tuesday, are second in the group on eight points.
The top two teams qualify for the 2018 finals in Russia directly, with the third-placed teams going into a playoff.
As Thais begin a year of mourning for their king, parties and celebrations will be toned down, with the government asking for people to “refrain from festivities” for 30 days.
After an executive meeting on Friday, FAT cancelled all matches in its competitions for the rest of the year, awarding the titles to the league leaders and relegating teams in the drop zones.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Swapping the home and away fixture would work well for us I reckon. It would be good for us to play them at home in November. Although the other fixture is the final one of the campaign and you would want that to be at home just in case things are tight. But you would hope we don't leave it that late. Saudi Arabia will be become our last home game and will double up as a farewell match before the Confed Cup. If all goes to plan it could also be the match that ensures us a spot in Russia. That could be a huge occasion. Playing in November will also be a boost for the league and football as cricket season draws near.
marcel
Guest
Say yes...play it in Gosford.
Neil
Guest
We do not disrespect their King, however I can not seem to recall some if any largesse Australia has received in International Football. In fact I can remember a lot of unfair treatment in my lifetime, so keep the advantage if there is one. Because let me tell in football you will not get it back.
Neil
Guest
Never give away any advantage, Australia has never been the receiver of largese in the past.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Last week we had South Korea play in Tehran during the annual Shia day of mourning where they were told to refrain from any cheering or celebrations. Now we have the possibility that our game v Thailand will be changed following the death of their monarch. Gotta love the AFC and its wondrous diversity and culture. The other confederations feel banal and plain in comparison.
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
There should be an instant "yes" to this request, out of respect for the Thai people and their late King.