Covid-19 pushes AFC Cup into chaos

The Asian Football Confederation did not give any reason for postponing the matches but it is understood that the deadly resurgence of Covid-19 in many Asian countries is behind the decision.

New Delhi: It was a chaotic Sunday for Indian football as Bengaluru FC was asked to leave Male for violating Covid-19 safety protocols ahead of their AFC Cup play-off against Eagles FC, while all Group D fixtures in the same event stood postponed hours after ATK Mohun Bagan reported two positive cases.

The Asian Football Confederation did not give any reason for postponing the matches but it is understood that the deadly resurgence of Covid-19 in many Asian countries is behind the decision. It all started with Bengaluru FC’s play-off match against Eagles FC, scheduled here on May 11, being left in doubt after the host country’s sports minister asked the ISL side to leave citing a breach of Covid-19 protocols.

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The exact nature of the violation by BFC, which is captained by India skipper Sunil Chhetri, was not specified but sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed it as “unacceptable”. The sentiment was echoed by BFC owner Parth Jindal, who apologized and promised strict action against the errant players and support staff.

“Unacceptable behavior from @bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA (Health Protection Agency) & @theafcdotcom. The club should leave Flag of Maldives immediately as we can’t entertain this act,” Mahloof tweeted from his official handle.

“We have informed FAM that we cannot hold the match, and asked them to make arrangements for @bengalurufc’s departure. We will be in further correspondence with AFC through @MaldivesFA to postpone the group stage.”

The minister’s tweets came after reports emerged that some players of the side were seen roaming Male’s streets in violation of the quarantine protocol. Also, two ATK Mohun Bagan players – Prabir Das and SK Sahil – tested positive for the virus, hours before their group matches in the Maldives were postponed by the continental football governing body.

“Participating clubs who have travelled to the Maldives will be required to arrange for their return home while adhering to the Covid-19 health and travel protocols put in place by the country,” the AFC said in a statement.

“At the same time, the AFC is in contact with all other participating clubs and officials who have not entered the Maldives to cancel their travel arrangements.” The other two teams in Group D are Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh and Maziya Sports & Recreation of Maldives.

“The AFC Cup (South) Group Stage matches are now postponed until further notice with more information to be announced in due course,” the AFC said.

ATK Mohun Bagan was to open their campaign on May 14 against the winner of Tuesday’s play-off between Bengaluru FC and Club Eagles.

Maldives’ sports minister asked BFC to leave after along with other reports, Channel Nine Maldives posted a photo of BFC’s Australian import Erik Paartalu walking on a street in Male.

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