Several World Cup soccer qualifiers scheduled to be performed in China have been moved to Dubai on Monday over coronavirus infections within the Syria and Maldives groups, the Chinese Football Association mentioned. Seven Group A fixtures involving China, Syria, Maldives, the Philippines and Guam are affected, enjoying additional havoc with the already closely disrupted Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers. “In view of the latest epidemic infections within the Maldives and Syrian nationwide soccer groups… they should be strictly quarantined upon entry and can’t take part within the video games as scheduled,” a CFA statement said. “According to recommendations from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), the Chinese FA agreed that the remaining qualifying matches… will not be held in Suzhou and will be transferred to Dubai and held there,” it added.
The video games have been supposed to happen over the subsequent fortnight in a safe “bubble” in the Chinese city of Suzhou.
The AFC stopped short of confirming that Dubai will now stage the matches, saying in a statement they will take place at “a neutral venue, which will be decided and announced in the coming days”.
“The resolution was made due to the mounting challenges confronted by a number of collaborating groups in travelling to China,” it added.
According to China’s Titan Sports, the Maldives and Syria are in Dubai and were denied permission to depart for China.
Maldives striker Ali Ashfaq tweeted that he had tested positive and won’t be playing in the qualifiers.
China, who smashed Guam 7-0 on Sunday, were scheduled to face the Maldives on Thursday, while Syria and the Maldives were set to play on June 7.
China are second in the group behind Syria and are fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The games double as qualifiers for the 2023 Asian Cup in China.
“The Chinese Football Association will make every effort to prepare for the matches,” the CFA mentioned.
The AFC mentioned it hopes to hold to the unique schedule, with the ultimate spherical of matches on June 15.
Read all of the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News right here
