I-League postponed after Covid surge

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, January 3

A surge in Covid cases has forced the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) to postpone the I-League further for a period of six weeks.

Subrata Dutta, who chairs the league committee, along with other members consulted the participating teams after Covid cases rose to a total of 45 across four different teams.

The league committee accepted the advice of the sports medical committee, which is headed by Dr Harsh Mahajan, that the league should be postponed further amidst rising cases. It also took into account the latest advisory from the West Bengal government, which has restricted air traffic to the state and has decided to shut all schools and colleges.

The league was temporarily postponed last Saturday after 11 individuals, including three from the coaching staff, tested positive for the coronavirus. The latest spurt and curbs from the state government cast a big doubt about continuation of the league in the near future.

“The clubs were first consulted and it was decided to postpone it further after fresh cases were detected. The committee is supposed to meet again soon after the results of January 5 tests,” said a source in the AIFF.

“We are awaiting fresh test results and further decisions will be based on them. Having said that, the number of cases within four-five teams has risen alarmingly,” the source added.

The AIFF announced the decision in a statement after consulting all the stakeholders, adding that a review meeting will be held after four weeks.

AIFF added that all Covid-related protocols will be followed till January 7 as the teams are scheduled to give their samples again on January 5. Those who test negative will be allowed to travel back home. “Players and officials who have tested positive in the team hotels who have already been isolated will be treated, and quarantined in Kolkata as per the health parameters laid down and will be allowed to leave the bubble after they test negative,” the statement added.