Socceroos' World Cup qualifier trip to Bangladesh in jeopardy

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Socceroos' World Cup qualifier trip to Bangladesh in jeopardy

The Socceroos' World Cup qualifier in Bangladesh next month could be called off, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) formally flagging security concerns with FIFA.

The fixture, scheduled for November 17 in Dhaka, appears in jeopardy following advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and ASIO that there was "reliable information" suggesting terrorist attacks against Australian interests were being planned.

The Socceroos' trip to Bangladesh may be called off.

The Socceroos' trip to Bangladesh may be called off. Credit: Getty Images

Australia's cricket team had been due to leave on Monday (September 28) for Bangladesh for a two-Test series, but that tour - scheduled to begin on Saturday - is expected to be cancelled imminently.

"FFA is concerned about the security situation in Bangladesh and will continue ongoing discussions with DFAT, relevant government agencies and security experts in relation to the Socceroos' World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on 17 November 2015," said an FFA spokesperson.

"FFA has formally raised the matter with FIFA and AFC (Asian Football Confederation)."

It follows the death of an Italian aid worker in the Bangladeshi capital on Wednesday - an attack purportedly carried out by Islamic State followers.

The Socceroos had to deal with heightened security concerns in the lead-up to their last World Cup qualifier in Dushanbe, the capital of troubled central Asian nation Tajikistan.

AAP

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