New Delhi: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that India has withdrawn from from AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2022 and their remaining matches stand cancelled.
🚨OFFICIAL🚨
🇮🇳 India have withdrawn from the #WAC2022. All their matches are now cancelled and considered null and void!https://t.co/sEBQ6hQ5P2
— #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) January 24, 2022
Reportedly, the Indian women team withdrew from its Group A match against Chinese Taipei as a number of players tested positive for COVID. However, the covid positives have not yet been named.
As per the rules, India was unable to name a minimum 13-woman squad for the match and it was considered a withdrawal. India had originally named a 23-member squad for the continental tournament, said reports.
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.
It is to be noted that this was the Indian football team’s first appearance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup since 2003. They have finished runners-up twice – in 1979 and 1983 – and also finished third in 1981.
Ms Kalinga