The Indian women’s football team was forced to withdraw from its Group A match against Chinese Taipei at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 after a number of players tested COVID-positive.
India were unable to name a minimum 13-woman squad for the match and it was considered a withdrawal, according to the competition rules. India had originally named a 23-member squad for the continental tournament.
The rules also state that any team that withdraws after the competition has started will have all their matches cancelled and considered null and void. Any points or goals earned in matches will not count towards determining the final rankings in the group.
This means that the Indian football team is out of the competition. India played a 0-0 draw in their first match against Iran.
India’s final group game against China will also not take place as the hosts are now considered to have been withdrawn from the tournament.
Ahead of their opener, India had reported two COVID cases in their camp.
Picture Courtesy: AFC Media
