FFA aware of security situation ahead of World Cup match


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SYDNEY (AP) — Football Federation Australia said Saturday it is hopeful that Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Tajikistan in the capital Dushanbe will go ahead despite unrest in the city over the past several days.

Armed groups led by a disaffected deputy defense minister mounted attacks Friday in and near Dushanbe that left at least 17 dead, authorities said. It is not yet clear what lay behind the attacks.

An FFA spokesman said Saturday that an advance party from the FFA had been in Dushanbe for several days and had been liaising with the authorities in Tajikistan.

"At this stage the situation in Dushanbe remains calm," the spokesman said. "Businesses, government services and the airport are operating as normal.

"FFA has been in constant contact with the (Australian) department of foreign affairs and trade, Asian Football Confederation and FIFA. Everything is proceeding towards the match being played as scheduled on Tuesday."

The Australians left for Dubai on Friday night from Perth, Western Australia state, where the Socceroos beat Bangladesh 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The team was expected to arrive in Dushanbe on Saturday.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Most recent National Sports stories

Related topics

SoccerNational Sports
The Associated Press

    SPORTS NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Newsletter Signup

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button