AFC Women's Asian Cup: India-Chinese Taipei match called off after 12 home team players test Covid positive

AFC Women's Asian Cup: The Indian women’s team match against Chinese Taipei has been called off after 12 home team players tested positive for Covid on Sunday.

India's AFC Women's Asian Cup group A game against Chinese Taipei was called off on Sunday before kickoff after as many as 12 players from the home team tested positive for Covid-19 and two were laid low by injuries.

"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," the AFC stated.

The Group A match not taking place means the hosts' chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 12-nation premier continental showpiece are bleak. The match was to take place at the DY Patil Stadium. India were held to a goalless draw by Iran in their tournament-opener and there were a couple of COVID cases in the team even before that game.

Indian Women's Football Team were unable to register the required minimum of 13 players for their Group A match against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 and were therefore unable to participate in the match.

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his statement said: “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.”