Asian soccer tournament in Turkmenistan delayed due to virus
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Asia’s indoor soccer championship in Turkmenistan was postponed Monday because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Asian Football Confederation said its decision not to play the futsal tournament scheduled Feb. 26-March 8 was “to ensure the safety and well-being of all participating teams and stakeholders.”
New tournament dates will be announced “when the situation stabilizes,” the Malaysia-based soccer body said.
Health concerns already forced the AFC to change plans for games in its Champions League, and a 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifying group this month for women was moved from China to Australia.
An emergency meeting of Champions League clubs playing in Asia’s east zone has been called for Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur. The group stage is due to kick off next week.
