MANILA – With the coronavirus pandemic not expected to end soon, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided to cancel this year’s cup tournament.
In Thursday’s statement, the AFC Executive Committee agreed that the pandemic created complexities which constituted a Force Majeure event that led to the cancellation of the 2020 competition.
“These are tough times for everyone connected with football – and sports in general. We are taking steps to ensure the financial well-being of the AFC and its MAs,” AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said.
“I am certain that with the unity and solidarity for which the AFC has become admired across football, we can overcome this latest challenge,” he added.
Among the matches affected by the suspension are the group stage battles of Philippine Football League teams Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo and United City Football Club, formerly Ceres-Negros FC.
United City FC was on top of Group G with seven points built on two victories and a draw while Kaya-Iloilo was at second place in Group H with five points coming from a win and two draws.
The AFC earlier planned to resume their group stage matches in one stadium this September./PN
