Chinese participation in AFC Women's Asian cup okayed

The Union government has accorded security clearance for foreign players and officials including those from China to participate in the AFC Women's Asian Cup football championship to be held in Pune and Mumbai from January 20, officials told ET.

Following the 2020 border standoff in eastern Ladakh, Chinese nationals and associated entities have come under the scanner along with "countries of concern" Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan and North Korea.

"As per the standard operating procedures (SOPs), they require clearances from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and security agencies," a senior government official said.


While the home ministry vets names of participants from "countries of concern", the MEA is responsible for a political clearance, as per the laid down protocols.

"The clearance for the foreign players, coach and support staff was sought by All India Football Federation in the second week of December," a home ministry official said, adding that the local authorities have been instructed to ensure that Covid-19 guidelines are followed by all the teams.

As many as 40 players besides coaches and technical staff from China and Chinese Taipei are expected to be part of the tournament, officials said.

Besides India and China, 10 more Asian teams will be participating in Women's Asian Cup India 2022 that will conclude on February 6. India is scheduled to play China, Chinese Taipei and Iran in the group stages. India and China are likely to play against each other on January 26. The last time India hosted Women's Asian Cup was in 1979.

"Due to resurgence in number of Omicron (Covid-19) cases, entry of spectators will be decided by the organisers," an official said.

He said the organisers will be responsible for ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviours during the matches. "The federation will be required to make quarantine rules for players, technical staff, and the working staff," he said. "The players may need to conduct tests prior to checking into the hotel and there would be regular tests conducted every few days on everyone including referee."