NAVI MUMBAI, Jan 23: India were forced out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup football tournament on Sunday after a dozen COVID-19 cases among their players led to the cancellation of a group match against Chinese Taipei minutes before kickoff here.
Apart from the COVID cases, two players were also laid low by injuries which made it impossible for India to field a team given that two of their footballers were already out of contention after being infected by the virus a few days ago.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said given the situation, Article 4.1 of the tournament rules comes into effect, which makes it clear that if a team fails to assemble for a match, it would be “considered to have withdrawn from the relevant Competition.”
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel also issued a statement expressing sadness at the turn of events but surprisingly did not clarify the team’s tournament status. “We are as disappointed as probably the entire nation would be right now with this unwarranted situation,” he said.
“However, the players’ health and well-being are of paramount importance to us, and it cannot be compromised under any circumstances. I wish all the infected players and team officials a swift and full recovery. They will be well supported by the AIFF and AFC.”
India failed to name the required minimum of 13 players for the Group A match against Chinese Taipei before the game and there was no sign of the team at the ground even as the rivals warmed up.
India were next scheduled to play China in their final group match on Wednesday but that is unlikely to go ahead now given that the team does not have enough players to field an XI.
Meanwhile, eight-time champions China further underlined their title credentials, cruising to a 7-0 win over Iran in their Group A match here on Sunday.
Wang Shuang scored a birthday hat-trick as Shui Qingxia’s side continued their blistering start to the tournament and set their sights towards the latter stages of the competition.
The result leaves Iran’s quarter-final ambitions hinging on Wednesday’s clash against Chinese Taipei, which is likely to be pivotal to both sides’ knockout hopes. (PTI)
