New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday suspended the I-League for at least six weeks due to the rise in cases of COVID-19 among the participating teams inside the bio-bubble. News agency PTI reported that after the latest round of testing, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases inside the bio-bubble has gone up to 45, due to which the AIFF has suspended the I-League for six weeks.
"The League Committee, abiding consensus of all participating clubs as per the suggestion of Dr Harsh Mahajan (member of AIFF Sports Medical Committee) ratified the decision to postpone the ongoing Hero I-League 2021-22 for at least 6 weeks," the AIFF said in a release.
In the first week of next month, I-League officials will take stock of the situation to decide on the future course of action. Last Wednesday, the I-League was suspended for a week due to Covid-19 positive cases inside the bio-bubble.
"The AIFF did their best under the circumstances and helped the players and officials in the best possible way. We appreciate their efforts," Real Kashmir owner Sandeep Chattoo told PTI.
Last week, eight players and three officials had tested Coronavirus positive. Apart from five players from Real Kashmir FC and three team officials, one player each from Mohammedan Sporting, debutant Srinidhi Deccan FC and Aizawl FC tested positive for the dreaded virus. In the year 2022, the I-League is being held at three venues with 13 teams competing for the title.