By Andrew Warshaw
October 19 – Next month’s World Cup qualifier between Thailand and Australia will to go ahead as planned in Bangkok, despite the death of King Bhumibol which has plunged the Asian nation into a year of mourning.
Bhumibol’s death prompted the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to ask FFA if the match could be moved to neutral territory or postponed.
Australia were not keen on either option and FFA chief executive David Gallop said there were encouraging signs the match would take place as planned.
“We’re hopeful the game will now be locked into Bangkok,” he was quoted as saying. “Thai football fans will want to see their team play, obviously our condolences to the family (of the king) and the whole country, but we’re hopeful the Socceroos match will go ahead now in Bangkok.”
The Thai government has asked the country to “refrain from festivities” for a 30-day period, which ends just before the match is due to take place. But Thai FA deputy secretary-general Patit Supapong was quoted as confirming the qualifier will go ahead “but there will be restrictions on dress code and cheering equipment and instruments like drums will be prohibited.”
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