05 Feb FFA cancels U23 trip to Thailand

The FFA has announced they’ve cancelled a trip to Thailand for the under 23 men’s team, in support of Hakeem al-Araibi.

The FFA released the following statement.

“Football Federation Australia has cancelled a proposed trip to Thailand as the under 23 men’s national team prepares for its AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in March.

“The move comes after consultation with Australian National Team and Under 23 Head Coach, Graham Arnold.”

Arnold also commented on the situation.

“Last year, the National Team Department had put some preliminary plans in place to play against China in Bangkok as part of our important preparation for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers to be held in Cambodia in March,” he said.

“On our return from the recent AFC Asian Cup we reassessed our plans due to the ongoing detainment of Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi in a Thai prison.

“We are in the process of rearranging our pre-tournament camp in another Asian nation.

“Australia’s national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release.”