Summary:
Mumbai, Jan 17 (PTI) All India Football Federation President Praful Patel on Monday said that matches of the women"s AFC Asian Cup, beginning here on Thursday, will not be cancelled due to positive COVID-19 cases if 13 players are available in each of the two competing teams.
Patel, also the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said in a virtual press conference that contingency plans have been put in place to deal with any situation in case participating team members are infected by the virus.
"I hope not (of players testing positive of COVID-19), but in case such a situation arises, we have contingency plans, AFC has contingency plans," he said.
"The affected player or players will be isolated but the teams will be fielded as long as 13 players (in each team) are available," said Patel in the presence of Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray.
All the 12 participating teams have named 23-member squads for the tournament.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, strict health and safety protocols have been put in place for the women"s continental showpiece.