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This 12 months`s version of the AFC Cup, Asia`s second-tier membership competitors, has been cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent`s governing physique for soccer stated in an announcement on Thursday.
The competitors, during which groups from extra minor nations in Asia take part, had been suspended since March due to the novel coronavirus disaster and was initially scheduled to resume this month in centralised venues.
“In view of the logistics in coordinating the five zones of the AFC Cup and completing the Inter Zone matches, the Executive Committee agreed that the pandemic created complexities which constituted a Force Majeure event and led to the cancellation of the 2020 competition,” the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated.
The AFC Champions League, the continent`s showpiece competitors, has additionally been suspended since March however will resume in West Asia hub Qatar on Sept. 14.
East Zone matches are scheduled to be performed between Nov. 15 and Dec. 13, 2020.
The last shall be performed within the West Zone on Dec. 19 as a standalone sport somewhat than within the conventional residence and away format.
The AFC Futsal Championship has been pushed again by a month to December, whereas the AFC Solidarity Cup and AFC Futsal Club Championship UAE 2020 have been cancelled.
“These are tough times for everyone connected with football. We are taking steps to ensure the financial well-being of the AFC and its member associations,” AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stated.
“I am certain that with the unity and solidarity for which the AFC has become admired across football, we can overcome this latest challenge.”
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