Well, FAM wanted to host it. The government does not. They've been under heavy criticism for their remarkably lax policies regarding tourist arrivals during the pandemic, especially tourists from India and other South Asian countries, given that South Asia is the current epicenter if the pandemic. Maldives recorded their most number of daily cases and deaths this week as well, having seen a sudden explosion of cases.
So when they gave special dispensation to host the AFC Cup matches, certain figures within the government sensed a potential PR problem, and the Minister of Youth and Sports was the sole figure who really pushed and tried to convince the public that hosting the matches was a good idea, explaining the ISL biobubble and whatnot. He said that teams would adhere to AFC's protocols, which are "a lot more rigorous than ours", and that the teams would pose no health hazards whatsoever.
And then BFC players went and did this, and now the dude's credibility is hanging by a thread. I'm not a fan of him, as I think he's a bit of an opportunist like all politicians here, but he got shafted big time and is trying to save face now.
If you ask me, AFC should cancel this year's tournament as well. Turkmenistan were the latest to pull their clubs out, so CAFA have hilariously a group that has only 2 teams.
Guys... So far only South Asian countries hosted 3 AFC matches successfully. Maldives would have hosted BFC play-off match with Club Eagels if not covid breach from BFC players.
Even after withdrawal of Turkmenistan clubs, CAFA/Central Asia zone will still have 5 teams and can be clubbed to single group.
Central Asia have 2 groups because of Uzbekistan. According to the format, the nation which is ranked 6th in a zone (champions league zones) gets a direct entry in AFC Cup without taking away direct spots of other nations in that zone. Central Zone already had 3 entries, so to include Uzbek club, they had to create a new group. Otherwise there wouldn't be spots available for clubs playing playoffs.
From East Zone, it's Philippines. Because they already have plenty of spots to be filled through playoffs, no new group was necessary.
I think it will be good for everyone involved if South and Central Asian groups are combined. Two or maybe 3 groups, each containing 2 SAFF, 2 CAFA teams. The groups will be stronger and we will feel that continental vibe while watching this tournament again.
Comments
So when they gave special dispensation to host the AFC Cup matches, certain figures within the government sensed a potential PR problem, and the Minister of Youth and Sports was the sole figure who really pushed and tried to convince the public that hosting the matches was a good idea, explaining the ISL biobubble and whatnot. He said that teams would adhere to AFC's protocols, which are "a lot more rigorous than ours", and that the teams would pose no health hazards whatsoever.
And then BFC players went and did this, and now the dude's credibility is hanging by a thread. I'm not a fan of him, as I think he's a bit of an opportunist like all politicians here, but he got shafted big time and is trying to save face now.
If you ask me, AFC should cancel this year's tournament as well. Turkmenistan were the latest to pull their clubs out, so CAFA have hilariously a group that has only 2 teams.
no. why other clubs suffer because of negligence of others? let it continue with available teams.
Agree. It should continue.
Guys...
So far only South Asian countries hosted 3 AFC matches successfully. Maldives would have hosted BFC play-off match with Club Eagels if not covid breach from BFC players.
Even after withdrawal of Turkmenistan clubs, CAFA/Central Asia zone will still have 5 teams and can be clubbed to single group.
From East Zone, it's Philippines. Because they already have plenty of spots to be filled through playoffs, no new group was necessary.