Indian eves preparing hard for Uzbekistan friendly
New Delhi, April 4: Travelling to Uzbekistan well ahead of the two friendly matches was a right decision since the conditions are in complete contrast to what they experienced back home says India’s women’s football head coach Maymol Rocky. The Indian women’s team is set to play two friendlies — against hosts Uzbekistan on Monday and Belarus on Thursday — on their tour of the central Asian country. “We were able to come here early and train in Uzbekistan. The weather here is extremely cold. There’s a big difference from the one we experienced in Goa. But the girls are going all-out for it. We are doing both morning and evening sessions and take the maximum advantage,” Maymol said. She said playing against quality opponents will help her side prepare for the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup which the country is hosting. (PTI)
Indian Women’s League play-offs postponed due to COVID cases
New Delhi, April 4: The upcoming play-off matches of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) have been postponed owing to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Sunday. The matches were scheduled to be held in national capital from April 7 onwards. The AIFF said it arrived at the decision after an “internal discussion and communication with the clubs and state associations”. “… Keeping in mind the safety and security of players and officials in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases all over the country, the play-offs for the Hero Indian Women’s League scheduled to be held in Delhi from April 7, 2021, has been postponed until further notice,” the federation said in a statement. (PTI)
Wembley Stadium could see full capacity for Euro 2020 final
London, April 4: English football leaders hope Wembley Stadium will be at full capacity for the final of the European Championship in July. Ahead of a wider relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in England that will not take effect until May, a series of pilot events are taking place over the coming weeks at sports and entertainment venues to assess procedures for testing on spectators and visitors. They include the following games at Wembley: the FA Cup semifinal match between Leicester and Southampton on April 18 (4,000 fans), the English League Cup final between Tottenham and Manchester City on April 25 (8,000 fans) and the FA Cup final on May 15 (21,000 fans). “We are delighted to be hosting three test events at Wembley and are confident we can offer a safe environment,” said Mark Bullingham, chief executive of the Football Association. (AP)