MUMBAI: India suffered a blow on the eve of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener them against Iran at DY Patil Stadium when it emerged on Wednesday that two of their players have tested positive for Covid-19.
“One of the players should be back tomorrow.
He tested positive on 15.
The other player tested positive today,” a source told TOI.
In what could be a setback for the 12-team tournament, held in the bio-bubble with no crowds of people in the middle of the third wave covid, this paper has learned that there have been reports of positive cases in the Japanese team as well.
Following the development, the All India Football Federation, through the twitter handle of the official ‘soccer team India,’ tweeted: “Two members of the Senior National Team India Women’s Asian Cup AFC Women of India in 2022 has tested positive for Covid-19, and is now in isolation in designated medical care facilities.
AIFF the priority health and safety of its players, and follow all the necessary health protocol as determined by the AFC.
” The situation, though, is under control, said a source.
“All the players have been kept in single occupancy rooms.
They all disciplines.
The hotel staff housing.
Even in the dining room, no more than two players eat at the table,” he said.
On Monday, AIFF president Praful Patel said that the AFC women’s Asian Cup matches will not be canceled because of the positive cases if 13 players are available in each of the two teams competing.
Patel, also chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, said that contingency plans have been put in place to deal with any situation in terms of participating team members are infected.
“I hope not (positive test player of Covid-19), but in case such a situation arises, we have a contingency plan, the AFC has a contingency plan.
Players who are affected or will be isolated but the team players will be fielded for 13 players (in each each team) are available, “Patel said in the presence of Aaditya Thackeray Maharashtra cabinet minister.
All 12 participating teams have named a 23-member squad for the tournament.
“The AFC and FIFA wants the strict implementation of Covid-19 protocol and FIFA officials also visited here.
We want a smooth, secure and successful tournament,” Patel, also a member of the Board of FIFA, said.