AFC Champions League East Zone games postponed due to coronavirus

Half of the group stage matches in the Asian Football Confederation’s Champions League were postponed until June and July due to a coronavirus epidemic on Thursday. Matches of 40 clubs spread across 10 groups in the continent’s top club competition took place in centralized locations starting in the East and West regions in April. The AFC said that five former field groups, including teams from regional football powers, South Korea, China, Japan and Australia, will be delayed in their matches.

The AFC cited the “Kovid-19 epidemic citing travel restrictions and quarantine challenges”.

The dates have not yet been finalized, but Thailand has been chosen as the host for the three groups, while the venue for two others is yet to be decided.

The playoffs for the Eastern Region scheduled to take place next month to decide the final group stage qualifiers have also been postponed and will also take place at centralized locations, with dates to be announced in June or July.

The plan for the West Zone match from April 14 to 30 will go ahead.

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Saudi Arabia will host three groups, two in Riyadh and one in Jeddah, Sharjah another in the United Arab Emirates and India, who will make their debut in competition with Goa FC this year, will host the fifth group.

There are strict requirements for countries wishing to host matches, in which players and officials undergo Kovid-19 testing and medical facilities are up to standard.