India forced out of Women's Asian Cup

Photo c/o AFC

India took themselves out of the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Sunday night, after the team was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The team was unable to field the minimum number of thirteen players for their matchup against Chinese-Taipei, slated to take place at 10pm PST at the D. Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

The Asian Football Confederation released this statement on Sunday:

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ match between Chinese Taipei and India at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai could not be played today.

Following several positive cases of COVID-19, India failed to name the required minimum of 13 players for the Group A match against Chinese Taipei. In accordance with Article 4.1 of the ‘Special Rules Applicable to AFC Competitions during the COVID-19 pandemic’ (Special Rules), India was therefore unable to participate in the match and the full provisions of Article 4.1 will apply.

Further, the inability of India to participate in the match also triggers Article 6 of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ regulations. 

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ will continue to be played as scheduled with the Group winners, runners-up and the two best third-placed teams qualifying to the Quarter-finals.

The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The AFC has maintained an open line of communication with the teams and participating Member Associations throughout the competition to deal with all their concerns and enquiries in a timely manner. 

The AFC Medical Team continues to work closely with the Local Organising Committee and the AIFF to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the teams, officials and stakeholders. Appropriate medical care is being provided to the infected players and the AFC wishes them a full and speedy recovery.

Article 4.1 specifically states:

If a Participating Team/Participating Club has less than thirteen (13) Participating Players (including one [1] goalkeeper) available for a Match for any reason (whether or not relating to COVID-19), the relevant Participating Team/Participating Club shall not be able to participate in the Match. 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Team/Participating Club shall be held responsible for the Match not taking place and shall be considered to have withdrawn from the relevant Competition.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.

Notable provisions on Section 6 includes a fine, as well as potential ineligibility in the next edition of the Women's Asian Cup.

All-India Football Federation President Praful Pratel released a statement:

“We are as disappointed as probably the entire nation would be right now with this unwarranted situation. 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.”

“Our support for the Blue Tigresses will continue, and we will work to ensure that our players come back stronger. The AIFF also thanks the fans and is grateful for their continuous support in the joint endeavour to take Indian Football Forward Together.,”

“The team is heartbroken, and I request all to respect their feelings and sentiments. I am proud of the great promise the team showed in their first match, and am confident that they will prove their mettle in the near future. This is not the end of the world. The promise on display in the first match against IR Iran was there for all to see, and am confident they will bounce back from this temporary setback.”

“Unfortunately, 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.”

“The AIFF also thanks the fans and is grateful for their continuous support in the joint effort to take Indian Football Forward Together.”

As a result, China will officially top Group A and earn a spot in the quarterfinals, with Chinese-Taipei and Iran set to face off later in the week to see which side will join the Steel Roses there.