AFC Cup 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee on Thursday announced the cancellation the AFC Cup 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an update posted on its website, the AFC said it is scrapping the 2020 competition because of force majeure.

"These are tough times for everyone connected with football – and sport in general. We are taking steps to ensure the financial well-being of the AFC and its [Member Associations]," said AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

"I am certain that with the unity and solidarity for which the AFC has become admired across football, we can overcome this latest challenge," he added.

Two football clubs from the Philippines, Kaya and Ceres, are part of the competition and are supposed to compete this month in the group stage.

Before the competition was stopped in March, Ceres FC went undefeated and is on top of the standings in Group G. Kaya FC, meanwhile, is at second place in Group H.

Aside from the AFC Cup, the AFC Solidarity Cup and AFC Futsal Club Championship UAE 2020 were cancelled by the sporting body. Several competitions and matches were also moved, such as the AFC U-16 and U-19 championships. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News