Sydney FC to return to Allianz Stadium for AFC Champions League two clash with Bangkok United

Sydney FC says its AFC Champions League Two home clash with Bangkok United deserves to be played at Allianz Stadium.

Sydney FC is hoping for a crowd of at least 15,000 for its AFC Champions League Two round-of-16 first leg clash against Bangkok United next month after shifting the game to the club’s proper home ground, Allianz Stadium.

The Sky Blues have so far played all their home games in this season’s AFC Champions League Two games at the smaller Jubilee Stadium.

However, wanting to make the most of their home leg against the Thailand club, the Sydneysiders have been given approval from the Asian Football Confederation to return to Allianz Stadium for the February 12 battle.

“We’re proud to be shifting the game back to Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium),” Sydney FC chief executive officer Mark Aubrey said.

“It’s a venue that represents our ambitions and the quality we want to show as a football club, and it’s also a chance to show Asia and Australian football that we can compete not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well with a stadium of that quality.

“It’s only the second time in our history that we’ve made the knockout stages of a major Asian competition, and Bangkok United won’t be easy. They’re a good team.

“We’re viewing it as our biggest game of the season so far, so moving it back to our home ground is very much positioning it not just to the Asian Football Confederation but also to our fans as to how important the game is.

“If we can get 15,000 people minimum to the game, as big a crowd as possible, so we can look to build an advantage ahead of the return leg in Bangkok (on February 19) ... it would be great.”

Sydney FC chief executive officer Mark Aubrey says Allianz Stadium ‘represents’ the Sky Blues’ ‘ambitions’. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Aubrey said Sydney FC had the responsibility to help A-League clubs maintain their rights to spots in future AFC competitions.

This season, the A-League is represented by two clubs in Asian competition – Sydney FC in the AFC Champions League Two and the Central Coast Mariners in the AFC Champions League Elite.

However, the Mariners are out of contention to reach the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Australia’s AFC club ranking is in danger of being overtaken by Malaysia and Vietnam, which if happened, would lead to the A-League losing its representation in the financially lucrative Champions League Elite possibly as early as 2026.

“This game isn’t just about Sydney FC – it’s about the future of Australian football,”

Aubrey said.

“The AFC Champions League competitions give us the chance to solidify Australia’s elite reputation in Asia, and we need to perform and progress as far as possible to safeguard Australia’s critical AFC co-efficient.

“It’s why we need a huge support, not just from Sydney FC fans but from all football

supporters who have the best interests of Australian football at heart.”

Originally published as Sydney FC to return to Allianz Stadium for AFC Champions League two clash with Bangkok United