COVID-19 Case Findings Make Myanmar Withdraw From The U-23 AFF Cup, Follow In The Footsteps Of The Indonesian National Team

Myanmar reached second place in Group A of 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers after fantastic 4-0 win against Macau (INSTAGRAM @myanmarff)

JAKARTA – The Myanmar U-23 national team has officially decided to withdraw from the U-23 AFF Cup which is currently taking place in Cambodia. This is after the discovery of a COVID-19 case in the team.

Myanmar was supposed to have a match against Malaysia in the first match of Group B qualifier at Prince Stadium on Tuesday, 15 February. However, the COVID-19 case forced Myanmar to withdraw from this age group event.

"The Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) has notified the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) today that it has withdrawn from the 2022 AFF U-23 Championship due to COVID-19," the AFF wrote on their official website.

Myanmar's decision to withdraw as part of health and safety measures for the ongoing tournament. They pulled teams from tournaments to help minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

Players and staff identified as having close contact with the patient have also been placed in isolation for examination.

"Fans are eager to see the team in action. However, the health and safety of everyone involved is of utmost importance and we fully understand the decision that has been made. We wish the members affected by coronavirus a speedy recovery," said AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.

Myanmar is the second team to be affected by COVID-19, so they have not participated in the U-23 AFF.

Previously, the Indonesian national team had already withdrawn after a number of positive players on the scheduled departure day for Cambodia.

At that time there were seven positive Indonesian national team players and a number of other players were being monitored. The situation is getting more difficult for the U-23 Indonesian National Team because there are players who are also injured.