United Arab Emirates club Al Wahda have been withdrawn from the AFC Champions League after the club failed to arrive in Doha, Qatar for its remaining group matches, the continental soccer governing body (AFC) said on Monday. The AFC Champions League, Asia's elite club competition which was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to resume in the West Asia hub of Qatar later on Monday and the East Asia hub of Malaysia on October 16. “Al Wahda... shall be considered to have withdrawn from the competition having failed to arrive in Doha, Qatar ahead of their remaining Group A matches,” the AFC said in a statement. “...the matches played by Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League (West) shall be considered 'null and void'. READ | AFC Champions League in Qatar important test to ensure readiness for FIFA WC: CEO Al KhaterThe AFC had drafted special rules applicable during the pandemic which informed participating clubs that those who cannot travel due to COVID-19 restrictions will be considered to have withdrawn from the competition.

Source: The Hindu September 14, 2020 13:18 UTC