AFC Cup canceled, Champions League further delayed due to virus

Asia’s football body on Thursday, September 10, canceled this year’s AFC Cup because of the coronavirus pandemic – and also announced further delays to Champions League matches in what it said were “tough times” for the sport.

The Asian Football Confederation had hoped to restart its long-delayed Cup competition next month in 4 host countries, but following a meeting of the executive committee Thursday they blew the whistle on the plans.

“These are tough times for everyone connected with football – and sport in general,” said AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.

The cancellation ends the campaigns of Philippine football clubs United City (formerly Ceres-Negros FC) and Kaya-Iloilo in the continental tournament.

United held the top spot in Group G with 7 points, while Kaya stood 2nd in Group H with 5 points. 

Officials also said some matches in the Champions League – the region’s showpiece tournament, which resumes next week in Qatar – would be further delayed.

The single-leg final will now take place on December 19. Officials previously said it would take place on December 5. 

East Zone group matches, originally scheduled from mid-October to early November, will now be played from November 15 to December 13. 

Officials had already announced that West Zone group games will be in Qatar this month, while matches in two of the East Asia groups will be played in Malaysia.

Other venues are yet to be announced. – Rappler.com