Alkass Digital
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 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, 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 from Thailand, Hong Kongs Kitchee SC and Vissel Kobe from Japan.
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.