Goa’s foreign contingent to return home amid Covid-19 surge in India

BANGALORE, April 29

FC Goa’s foreign players and head coach have had to cut short their Asian Champions League stints to return home as India struggles with a massive surge in Covid-19 cases, the club said today.

Captain Edu Bedia, defender Ivan Gonzalez, midfielder Jorge Ortiz, head coach Juan Ferrando and conditioning coach Javi Gonzalez — all Spaniards — plus Australia’s James Donachie are among the contingent that have left India over fears further delays could result in them being locked down in the country. “FC Goa would like to inform (everyone) that the club’s foreign contingent including the Head Coach and foreign staff have been advised to travel back home immediately,” the club said in a statement. “This comes as a pre-emptive measure in view of recent policies being taken by European and other countries in regards to travellers from India.”

Goa, in their maiden campaign in the Asian Champions League, have failed to progress with three points from five matches so far and conclude their group games against Al Wahda on Thursday. — Reuters