Bengaluru FC players breach Covid protocol in Maldives ; AFC Cup Group matches called off

Bengaluru FC players breach Covid protocol in Maldives ; AFC Cup Group matches called off

Bengaluru FC’s remaining AFC Cup matches are in jeopardy after three players from the club breached Covid rules in Maldives. Bengaluru FC owner, Parth Jindal has promised strict action for the three players/staff who allegedly broke the rules while in Maldives.

The matches have been postponed following the bio-bubble breach amid the raging second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the subcontinent. Bengaluru were scheduled to play local Male club Eagles in their AFC Cup play-off match on Tuesday, with the winner joining ATK Mohunbagan in the main competition.

Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal has promised the strictest of action against the players who flouted the Covid rules in Male

Parth Jindal apologised on behalf of the club and promised strict action for the involved players

The reports stated that several Bengaluru players were photographed outside their hotel which was against the directive from the Sports Minister. The Male Sports minister was critical of the players’ behaviour and has asked the club to leave the country amidst the increasing number of cases recorded in India.

FS Video

Fawad Mahmood, the Sports Minister tweeted, “Unacceptable behavior from@bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA & @theafcdotcom.. The club should leave (Maldives) immediately as we can’t entertain this act. We honoured the commitment we gave a few months back even with the surge in cases & pressure from the public.”

Parth Jindal has promised strictest of actions against the players who have flouted the rules laid in place by the Sports ministry in Maldives.

The owner Tweeted, “On behalf of @bengalurufc, I am extremely sorry for the inexcusable behavior of three of our foreign players/staff while in Male – the strictest action will be taken against these players/staff. We have let @AFCCup down and can only say that this will never happen again.”

All of the subsequent group matches have also been called off along with the play-off matches in Group D. The AFC will decide on the future of these matches after speaking with the stakeholders of the competition and schedule it whenever possible.

Also Read : Sergio Aguero apologizes for his missed penalty after Manchester City lose 2-1 against Chelsea