The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken note of the Chinese Football Association (CFA)’s confirmation of the withdrawal of Shanghai Port FC from the AFC Champions League 2022.
The AFC acknowledged the travel restrictions faced by Shanghai Port FC as a result of the recent lockdown measures enforced in Shanghai, China PR and the matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committees.
Consequently, the COVID-19 Sub-Committee for the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup East in accordance with Article 5.2 of the Competition Regulations, has decided that all matches involving Shanghai Port FC will be cancelled and there will be no replacement for the club in Group J, which will now consist of three teams – Chiangrai United FC(Thailand), Kitchee SC(Hong Kong) and Vissel Kobe(Japan).
Additionally, in accordance with Article 8.4 of the Regulations, the calculation of the best second-placed participating clubs among all the groups, shall be in accordance with Appendix 2 of the AFC Competitions Manual.
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For the avoidance of doubt, in deciding the three best second-placed participating clubs that will qualify to the Round of 16, the results of the matches between the second-placed and fourth-placed participating clubs across all the AFC Champions League™ East groups – F, G, H, I and J – will not be counted in the final calculation.
The AFC Champions League 2022™ Group J match day schedule will continue as planned, with Kitchee SC set to face Chiangrai United on April 16 while Vissel Kobe will open their campaign against Kitchee SC on April 19 at the Buriram Stadium.
Credit Photo : Punta Turf Care
