Maldives’ sports minister alleges breach of COVID-19 protocols by Bengaluru FC

Maldives is hosting the play-off match and all the Group D matches as the AFC wanted single venues in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bengaluru FC’s AFC Cup on May 11 is in doubt after Maldives’ sports minister asked the Indian Super League side to leave the host country alleging breach of COVID-19 protocols. The exact nature of the alleged breach by Bengaluru FC, which is captained by India skipper Sunil Chhetri, is not clear but sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed it as “unacceptable behaviour”. Bengaluru FC had reached Maldives on Friday. “Unacceptable behavior from @bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA (Health Protection Agency) & @theafcdotcom. The club should leave (Flag of Maldives) immediately as we can't entertain this act,” he tweeted on his official handle.