Asian World Cup qualifiers to be moved from China due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
Matches scheduled for the eastern city of Suzhou this week will likely be relocated to the United Arab Emirates
China’s COVID-19 travel restrictions mean World Cup qualifying matches scheduled for the eastern city of Suzhou this week will likely be relocated to the United Arab Emirates.
The Chinese Football Association issued a statement Monday saying the outbreak of infections in the Maldives and Syria meant both national teams would have to undergo strict quarantine after arriving in China, and couldn’t play as scheduled.
The Asian Football Confederation later issued a statement confirming a move from China, without saying where the next matches would be held.
“The Asian Football Confederation decided to move the remaining centralized Group A matches . . .from China to a neutral venue, which will be decided and announced in the coming days.” The decision was made due to the mounting challenges faced by several participating teams in traveling to China .
The AFC is now working in close partnership with the Chinese Football Association and potential neutral venues, as well as the participating teams to arrange for the safe passage and well-being of all stakeholders while reiterating its commitment towards ensuring the successful completion of the Asian qualifiers.
