Maldives instructs Bengaluru FC to leave ahead of AFC Cup match; Know the whole scenario-

Male, May 10: Ahead of Bengaluru FC’s AFC Cup play-off match against Eagles FC on May 11 here, the Sports Minister of Maldives asked the ISL side to leave for breaching the COVID-19 protocols. This charge by the host country was admitted even by the club’s owner.

The exact nature of the breach by BFC, which is captained by India skipper Sunil Chhetri, was not specified but sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed it as “unacceptable”. The statement came after reports said that some of the club’s players were seen on a street at Male in violation of the quarantine rules.

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“Unacceptable behavior from @bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA (Health Protection Agency) & @theafcdotcom. The club should leave Flag of Maldives immediately as we can’t entertain this act,” Mahloof tweeted from his official handle.”

Further, he said, “We have informed FAM that we cannot hold the match, and asked them to make arrangements for @bengalurufc’s departure. We will be in further correspondence with AFC through @MaldivesFA to postpone the group stage.”

Maldives’ Health Protection Agency (HPA) had given special permission for the play-off match between Eagles and Bengaluru FC. However, one of the conditions laid down was that the players and staff had to be confined to the hotel at all times except when going for training and the matches, it said.

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The club's owner Parth Jindal apologized for the “inexcusable behavior of three foreign players/staff” and promised strictest action against them. He said he will ensure such events do not happen in the future.

“On behalf of @bengalurufc, I am extremely sorry for the inexcusable behavior of three of our foreign players/staff while in Male – the strictest action will be taken against these players/staff. We have let @AFCCup down and can only say that this will never happen again,” he tweeted.

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The 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. AFC later issued a statement to say that Group D matches have been postponed but did not give any reason for the development. ATK Mohun Bagan is to play the winner of BFC and Eagles on May 14 in their opening match.