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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH Azkals matches in World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers postponed due to COVID-19

PH Azkals matches in World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers postponed due to COVID-19

Published Mar 9, 2020 12:00 am
By Jonas Terrado Three matches of the Philippine Azkals for the next two windows of the FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers have been postponed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The Philippine Azkals hope to carry the momentum of last month's scoreless draw against China. (Photo from Philippine Football Federation) The Philippine Azkals before their FIFA World Cup/AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match against China last October in Bacolod City. (Photo from Philippine Football Federation) World governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation on Monday agreed to reschedule all qualifying matches set March 23 to 31 and June 1 to 9 to a later date, including the Azkals’ games against Guam, China and Maldives. The Azkals were supposed to host Guam on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, visit China on June 4 and play Maldives at home on June 9. “FIFA and the AFC will continue to assess the situation in relation to COVID-19 and will decide whether further changes to the schedule of Asian FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers are required, always with the aim of protecting the safety and health of all individuals involved,” FIFA and AFC said in a joint statement. No target date has been set though member associations have the option to mutually agree on holding the postponed matches during the international window, subject to approval of both FIFA and the AFC. AFC officials met last week with FIFA counterparts to formalize the rescheduling of the qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and 2023 Asian Cup in China. The Azkals are currently in third place in Group A with seven points, trailing leader Syria (15 points) and China (also with seven points but ahead on goal difference). Coach Scott Cooper’s side is aiming for a top two finish in order to gain a spot in the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers and secure a direct slot to the Asian Cup.
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