India-Chinese Taipei Asian Cup match called off after COVID outbreak in Indian side

This virtually rules out India’s chances of making the knockouts of the continental championship and also casts a doubt over India’s final group game against China on Wednesday

A COVID-19 outbreak in the team forced host India to withdraw from its second group match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup against Chinese Taipei on Sunday at the DY Patil stadium.

With several members of the team testing positive, India failed to adhere to the AFC guidelines of having a minimum of 13 players — 11 starters and two reserves — to continue a game.

“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,” the AFC said in a statement.