I-League matches postponed after 11 positive cases

New Delhi, December 29

The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has postponed the I-League matches after a spurt in Covid-19 infections amidst players and staff.

It is understood that 11 persons from four I-League teams have tested positive and consequently the I-League committee, acting on the advice of the sports medical committee, has decided to postpone the matches scheduled for December 30-31.

Real Kashmir FC reported eight cases, including two from the coaching staff. Mohammedan Sporting, Aizawl FC and Sreenidi Deccan Football Club have reported one case each.

However, it is understood that the majority of the players and staff are asymptomatic and there is only one case showing mild symptoms. All the infected players and staff have already been moved into isolation and medical consultations have been arranged for them.

The decision to postpone the matches was taken at an emergency meeting of the league committee, after the medical committee advised that “there needs to be minimum contact among all for the next 5-7 days”.

A source told The Tribune that the committee will heed only the medical committee’s advice regarding the resumption of the league. “Everyone from among the players and staff is getting tested thrice. If the first two reports are negative then it is safe to say that the infection has been contained. But if the numbers rise then we will have to make some hard decisions,” the source said.

All 13 teams have been based in three hotels in Kolkata in a bio-bubble. The committee is scheduled to meet again next week to reassess the situation after getting all the medical reports.

“All players, staff, and referees have been tested today, and will be tested again on January 1 and January 3, 2022, respectively,” the AIFF said in a statement.