BENGALURU FC’S AFC CUP play-off match against Eagles FC, which was scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, in Male, is in doubt after host country Maldives’ sports minister ordered the ISL side to leave the island nation, citing breach of COVID-19 protocols.
Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof termed the actions of three of BFC’s foreign players/staff as “unacceptable”, a sentiment echoed by club owner Parth Jindal.
The health and safety breach prompted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to postpone the Group D matches of the tournament being held in Male.
“Unacceptable behavior from @bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA (Health Protection Agency) & @theafcdotcom. The club should leave Maldives immediately as we can’t entertain this act,” Mahloof tweeted from his official handle.
“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.”
Local media outlets in Maldives reported that three BFC members were spotted on the Male streets – a violation of the protocol set by the Health Protection Agency. The protocol states that the BFC contingent is allowed to leave the team hotel only to train and play the match.
A photo in a Channel News Maldives report shows BFC midfielder Erik Paartalu and two other BFC members outdoors.
“Bengaluru FC would also like to place on record an unconditional apology for a health and safety breach, involving one member of staff and two players in the Maldives, on Saturday. The club has held the highest standard of safety and precaution throughout the pandemic, and this error in judgement in no way aligns or indicates otherwise stringent measures that the club has maintained over the course of the season,” BFC said in its statement.
Earlier, Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal tweeted an apology for the behaviour of the players and added that stringent action will be taken against them. His tweet read: “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”
Shaji Prabhakaran, Football Delhi president and AFC consultant, also weighed in, tweeting: “According to local media in Maldives some players of Bengaluru FC breached covid19 protocol in Male. Govt and public r very angry with this situation as govt given a strict guidelines while granting approval to host #AFCCup A complex situation now. Hope it will be resolved soon.”
