Australia to go ahead with World Cup qualifier in Bangladesh

SYDNEY (AP) Football Federation Australia said Friday the Socceroos will travel to Bangladesh as scheduled for their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Dhaka on Tuesday despite security concerns.

The FFA said the decision followed discussions with the Australian government, its department of foreign affairs, the Bangladesh government and FIFA.

Australia's cricket team canceled a two-test tour of Bangladesh in October over security concerns after an Italian businessman was killed and the militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility.

An earlier request by the FFA to have the Bangladesh match moved to a safer location was rejected.

Coach Ange Postecoglou and the squad will leave Saturday and train in Singapore before flying to Dhaka on Monday. The Australians will stay only one night, leaving on Tuesday immediately after the match.

''Prudently, we are reducing the amount of time they'll spend in Dhaka,'' FFA chief executive David Gallop said. ''We are minimizing the time on the ground.''

Australia trails Jordan by one point in Group B after five matches and is favored to win on Tuesday.