Bengaluru FC asked to leave after Maldives sports minister alleges breach in COVID protocols

Bengaluru FC is scheduled to play its AFC Cup play-off match against Eagles FC on May 11, which looks in doubt following these allegations.

Published : May 09, 2021 12:41 IST , MALE (MALDIVES)

The exact nature of the alleged breach by BFC is not clear yet.-K.Murali Kumar
The exact nature of the alleged breach by BFC is not clear yet.-K.Murali Kumar
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The exact nature of the alleged breach by BFC is not clear yet.-K.Murali Kumar

Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup play-off match against Eagles FC on May 11 is in doubt after the host country's sports minister asked the Indian Super League side to leave the country alleging breach of COVID-19 protocols.

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The exact nature of the alleged breach by BFC, captained by India skipper Sunil Chhetri, is not clear but sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed it as "unacceptable behaviour".

Mahloof's tweet also meant that all the Group D matches may be in jeopardy. ATK Mohun Bagan are to play the winner of BFC and Eagles on May 14 in their opening match. BFC had reached Maldives on Friday.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup playoff match indefinitely postponed

Maldives is hosting the play-off match and all the Group D matches as the AFC wanted single venues in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We honoured the commitment we gave a few months back even with the surge in cases & pressure from the public," Mahloof said in another tweet.

BFC apologises for breach

The CEO of Bengaluru FC Parth Jindal sent out a tweet, apologising for the behaviour of the players and added that the strictest of actions will be taken against them.

 

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