Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian Super League outfit Bengaluru FC have landed in trouble thanks to a breach of Maldives’ COVID-19 restrictions in Male, after 3 players, including midfielder Erik Partaalu were seen on the streets despite strict safety protocols being in place. Due to the events that transpired, Maldives’ Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof tweeted saying that he had asked the Football Association of the country to arrange for the team to return to India. This resulted in Parth Jindal, the club owner, having to apologize on social media.
While there were strict travel restrictions in place for Indians, the country allowed ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC to travel to the country with strict protocols to be followed, in order to honour their AFC Cup commitments. Local media outfit CNM, however, reported on Saturday that three members of the BFC contingent were seen on the streets, which led to the backlash in the first place. The Sports Minister of the country tweeted out saying that the behaviour shown was unacceptable and that the team should leave the country immediately due to their actions, in what has turned into a scandalous affair of sorts.