Macarthur FC have been forced to schedule an AFC Cup home game in Thailand after the Australian Government's refusal to grant visas to the players and staff of Myanmar-based opponent Shan United.
The flow-on effect means Macarthur's home A-League match against Adelaide United scheduled for Sunday has had the date and time changed.
The Sporting News explains why authorities have declined to grant visas to Shan United and what will result of the decision.
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Why has the Australian Government refused visas for Shan United's players and staff?
No official reason has been explained by Australia's Home Affairs department or Football Australia for the authorities refusal to give temporary visas to Shan United's players and staffs for Thursday's scheduled AFC Cup game against Macarthur FC.
Human rights groups have suggested previously that there are alleged links between Shan United and Myanmar's military junta - with the country currently in a civil war since the military took control of the nation in 2021.
Human Rights Watch alleges the ruling military junta of initiating a brutal crackdown against millions of people against their rule, with the forces believed to have engaged in murder, rape, torture and arbitrary arrests.
Macarthur FC were criticised for playing the away AFC Cup match against Shan United in Myanmar's capital of Yangon in September, with Australian Government travel advice labelling the south-east Asian nation as a 'do not travel' region.
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Where will Macarthur FC play Shan United in the AFC Cup?
Instead of hosting the game at their Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney, Macarthur will be forced to use BG Stadium in Bangkok to host the match on Thursday, November 30 with the match starting time to be confirmed.
The Bangkok venue is the home of Thai Super League club BG Pathum United.
With no way to play the game in Australia because of the visa issue, Macarthur FC were facing AFC penalties if they forfeited the match.
Instead they will take an eight-hour flight to Bangkok for a 'home' match, with Shan United travelling 80 minutes from Yangon to Thailand's capital city.
How does this affect Macarthur's A-League match vs. Adelaide United?
With Macarthur unable to arrive back in Sydney until Friday night at the latest after their Thailand trip, their home match against Adelaide United has been moved from Sunday to Monday.
It will now kickoff on Monday, December 4 at 7pm (AEDT) at Campbelltown Stadium.
