Football: Grieving Thais May Play Australia Behind Closed Doors
Muhammad Rameez Published October 18, 2016 | 10:20 AM
BANGKOK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Oct, 2016 ) - The Football Association of Thailand has said it may hold a World Cup qualifier behind closed doors while the nation mourns King Bhumibol Adulyadej and all forms of entertainment are reined in.
The venue for the November 15 tie against Australia was cast into doubt after the Thai king, the world's longest-reigning monarch, died last Thursday and plunged the kingdom into intense grief.
Dozens of sporting events, as well as concerts and other festivals, have since been cancelled with the public urged to refrain from overt celebrations during an initial 30-day mourning period. Last week Thailand asked Australia if the match could be postponed or played at a neutral venue, but Sydney rejected the request, according to Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Somyot Poompanmoung.
"So we have to hold the match (in Bangkok), which will be after 30 days of mourning, and we will map out measures such as whether to allow spectators or not," he said in a Facebook post late Monday.
If fans are permitted, they could face restrictions on cheering or be required to dress in black and white, as most Thais have done since the king died, according to some media reports. Australia are currently second in Group B of final Asian qualifying for a place at Russia 2018, while Thailand are desperate for a win after failing to earn a point after four games.
The FAT has already cancelled the remainder of the domestic football season and said league rankings on October 14 will determine the champions and relegation candidates.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan Day Reception in Pakistan Embassy Abu Dhabi
LHC sets aside ECP's notice on vote recount plea in NA-79
New pulses varieties imperative to cater domestic food requirements: Dr Khalid H ..
ASI suspended for manhandling mobile snatcher
Addit’l FS receives journalists from UAE, KSA
Literary activities continue in book fair by ICT admin
Russia, Ukraine to exchange displaced children after rare talks
MNAs for favorable wheat procurement terms to benefit farmers
Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 ambassador
Raja Qamar, Chairman RBISE visit Intermediate exam centers, review arrangements
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique assures action after DHQ Gujrat in ..
LHC sets aside notice issued by ECP on vote recount plea in NA-133
More Stories From Sports
-
Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 ambassador
1 hour ago -
Kewell's Yokohama beat Ulsan to reach Asian Champions League final
2 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
2 hours ago -
Advisor Sports hands over Rs500,000 to prominent Martial Art Athlete Irfan Mehsud
2 hours ago -
Muhammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan Khan ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand
3 hours ago -
Rizwan, Irfan out of New Zealand series
3 hours ago
-
Sana named ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier ambassador
4 hours ago -
Stone Lifter Martin Licis showcases skills at Haripur cultural sports competition
4 hours ago -
Imad Wasim expected to take part in fourth T20I match against New Zealand
4 hours ago -
Football: English Premier League result
4 hours ago -
Cycling delegation calls on Chief Minister KP Adviser on Sports, Youth Affairs
5 hours ago -
UCP wins Judo Championship 2024
6 hours ago