The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has on Thursday confirmed that India will host the Group E matches of the tournament later this year. Group E consists of Persepolis (Iran), Al Rayyan (Qatar), FC Goa (India) and the fourth team will be a winner of the West region play-offs. The matches are scheduled to be held in the second half of April and early May.
FC Goa became the first Indian team to book their spot in the group stages of the competitions after they won the Indian Super League (ISL) League Winners Shield in the 2019-20 season.
The West Region matches, which are scheduled to take place between April 14-30, will see Saudi Arabia host Groups A and D in Riyadh as well as Group C in Jeddah, with the matches in Group B to be staged in the United Arab Emirates city of Sharjah, while India, whose representative FC Goa are poised to mark the nation’s debut in Asia’s premier club competition, will host Group E, their statement read.
The AFC had decided to host each group at a centralised venue so as to minimise travel and risk to the players and staff amidst the prevailing Covid situation.
As such, bids were invited from all interested countries and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had put forward their interest in hosting the Group E matches. A wide range of requirements were put in place to ensure adherence to the highest health and safety protocols and standards which included minimum travel and quarantine restrictions for away clubs, the convenience of flight connections and the medical situation in the host country. Sufficient venues to organise the matches. Most importantly, a mandatory Covid-19 test to be organised for all players and officials, the costs of which will be borne by the AFC.
Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “On behalf of the Asian football family, I would like to thank all our Member Associations for their interest in hosting our club competitions and commitment towards ensuring we continue to place the safety and wellbeing of our players, teams, and officials at the forefront of all our priorities.”