Australian A-League team criticised for playing soccer game in war-torn Myanmar during AFC Cup

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Australia's League team has been criticized for playing a football match in war-torn Myanmar against the government's official travel advice, with some observers describing the move as dangerous. Highlights Asian Football Confederation schedules match in crisis-ridden Myanmar Asian Football Confederation plans a match in crisis-ridden Myanmar Activists concerned about Shan United owner and his business links to the military Activists concerned about Shan United's owner and his business links with the military There are calls for Shan United's visas to be denied ahead of match in Australia The Macarthur Bulls, a team from southwest Sydney, defeated Myanmar team Shan United 3-0 an Asian Football Confederation Cup match at the nearly empty Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon late September. Human rights groups have raised concerns about Shan United's ownership and links to businesses controlled by Myanmar's military junta, including those sanctioned by Australia. There are now calls for Shan United players to be denied visas to Australia ahead of the match on 30 November. The Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues advise Australians "not travel" Myanmar "due ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict and an unstable security environment" following the 2021 military coup. “Violence, including explosions attacks, can occur anywhere and at any time, including Yangon,” the Smartraveller advice reads, adding that attacks could be planned in places frequented by foreigners Australians could be at risk of arbitrary detention. "We encourage all Australians to follow this advice," DFAT said in a statement to the ABC. The ABC understands DFAT officials have met with Macarthur Football Club management and Football Australia to reiterate the government's official travel advice. Myanmar has not been banned from international competitions, and its women's team recently played against Vietnam in the Southeast Asian Games. Macarthur said in a statement that Australian Football is a member of the Asian Football Confederation and therefore FIFA. “We therefore operate within framework of rules and regulations adopted and implemented through management of these organisations,” club said. Football Australia requested that the match be moved to a neutral venue, but this was refused. Football Australia told ABC that if Macarthur did not play match in Yangon club would be forced to withdraw from competition. A Football Australia spokesman said "Both Macarthur FC and Football Australia have formally requested that the match be shifted to neutral territory, taking into account DFAT's travel advice. The club also offered to cover the costs of this shift but the request was refused." “After exhausting these alternatives, the club has decided to play this match as a draw and as planned. "Australian Football provided security in line with other football events played overseas and there were no incidents during th