AFC Cup campaigns of Ceres-Negros, Kaya-Iloilo on hold due to COVID-19 pandemic

By Jonas Terrado

Ceres-Negros and Kaya-Iloilo have been forced to put their AFC Cup campaigns on hold after the Asian Football Confederation announced the suspension of all matches in the continental tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AFC made the announcement Wednesday as the pandemic continues to affect participating clubs whose countries have imposed stricter measures against the spread of the infectious disease.

Though the statement mentioned that the tournament is postponed “until further notice,” it was also stated that the decision will cover all matches in March and April.

“The decision, which was also made in conjunction with the competing clubs and their respective Member Associations, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of all participating players and teams, match officials and spectators as well as designed to protect the integrity of the competition,” the AFC said as part of its statement.

AFC Statement on #AFCCup2020 matcheshttps://t.co/Nb7joWLfrv

— #AFCCup2020 (@AFCCup) March 18, 2020

The announcement came a week after the AFC suspend all matches in the West Zone due to the pandemic, though matches from other zones were held behind closed-door.

Ceres defeated Indonesia’s Bali United 4-0 last week at Rizal Memorial Stadium minus the presence of fans while the same arrangement was implemented when Kaya-Iloilo battled PSM Makassar to a 1-1 draw in Jakarta.

“The AFC had earlier postponed all AFC Cup West Zone Group Stage matches on March 12, 2020 and the latest decision applies to all matches in March and April across the five AFC zones,” the AFC said.

“In the meantime, the AFC will closely monitor the situation before deciding when to recommence the 2020 AFC Cup season,” the statement added.

Ceres currently leads Group G with seven points while Kaya is second in Group H with five points.

The decision came days after the opener of the Philippines Football League, one of two domestic competitions participated by Ceres and Kaya, was moved to April 18 due to the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the government.

Source: Manila Bulletin