All AFC Cup 2020 matches have been postponed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Wednesday due to the worldwide coronavirus outbreak.
“Following the imposition of further preventive measures and travel restrictions by several national governments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the AFC has decided to postpone all AFC Cup 2020 matches until further notice.” stated the Asia’s football governing body.
The AFC also added that the latest decision applies to all matches in March and April across the five AFC zones and it will closely monitor the situation before deciding when to recommence the season.
“The decision, which was also made in conjunction with the competing clubs and their respective Member Associations, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participating players and teams, match officials and spectators as well as designed to protect the integrity of the competition.” stated in the AFC official website.
The AFC had earlier postponed all AFC Cup West Zone Group Stage matches on March 12, 2020 but the South Zone matches were held with Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings kicking off their AFC Cup campaign with 5-1 win over TC Sports of Maldives.
On their way back to Maldives, the local players of TC Sports reportedly have been locked in Sri Lanka while the foreign players in Dhaka due to travel restriction put on by the country.
