Xtra Time Web Desk: India was forced out of AFC Women’s Asian Football Cup on Sunday after 12 players tested positive for COVID-19 cases among the players which led to call off the match against Chinese Taipei minutes before kickoff.
Amid COVID-19 cases, two other players were also suffering from injuries which made difficult for India to field a team.
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comes into effect, which makes it clear that if a team fails to assemble for a match, it would be “considered to have withdrawn from the relevant Competition.”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 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 couldn’t keep up to list required minimum of 13 players for 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.
Patel stated, “..this happened to us despite the best measures put in place, and it is sheer bad luck that it happened to us. Let there be no fingers pointed at any. We need to understand this is a pandemic situation, and no bubble is foolproof around the world.”
He further said, ” Such Participating Team/Participating Club shall be held responsible for the Match not taking place and shall be considered to have withdrawn from the relevant Competition.
“The relevant Participating Team/Participating Club and its affiliated Member Association shall be subject to the provisions of the relevant Competition regulations regarding the consequences of withdrawal, as applicable.”
The AFC stated that the tournament will continue to play matches as per scheduled with the group winners, runners up, and and the two best third-placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“The India-Chinese Taipei match matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee in accordance with the applicable regulations,” it said.
The Article 4.1 which determines the result of a match that cannot be played, further states, “In exceptional circumstances and provided that any rescheduling will not affect the Match Schedule determined by the AFC General Secretariat, the AFC Competitions Committee (or any sub-committee carrying out duties on its behalf) may grant an exception to the foregoing and allow the relevant Match to be rescheduled.”
India were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their tournament-opener a couple of days ago and there were two COVID cases in the team before that game. It remains to be seen how Iran is impacted by the outbreak in the Indian camp, having been in close contact with the side.
AFC further said, “Appropriate medical care is being provided to the infected players.”