I-League suspended: After multiple COVID-19 cases were detected among clubs while they were part of the bio-bubble structure, I-League 2021-22 season was suspended for the next two rounds. The league will now resume only after retests of players on January 4. Follow I-League 2021-22 live updates on InsideSport.IN
“There have some positive cases reported among certain #HeroILeague teams. The League is keeping a close tab on it and have already spoken to the clubs. In addition, an emergency meeting of the League Committee has also been summoned in the afternoon. Further details soon,” a statement from the league confirmed the development later on the day.
There have some positive cases reported among certain #HeroILeague teams. The League is keeping a close tab on it and have already spoken to the clubs. In addition, an emergency meeting of the League Committee has also been summoned in the afternoon. Further details soon. pic.twitter.com/QZwfRppxDm
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) December 29, 2021
I-League suspended: Multiple COVID-19 cases detected in bubble, I-League suspended for next two rounds
I-League suspended: The 2021-22 season of the I-League started on December 26 but just after one round of matches, multiple positive cases were detected which forced the league’s hands.
According to sources within the clubs, figures going into double digits were detected while a club from North India had the most severe outbreak. Most COVID-19 cases were detected in one of the team hotels. Clubs have been told that all teams in the hotel will have to quarantine for two days with no training.
The hotel in question, a plush five-star accommodation, had used its bubble staff as part of Christmas celebrations leading to breach in the bubble.
I-League suspended: Multiple COVID-19 cases detected in bubble, I-League suspended for next two rounds
AIFF’s League Committee met in the afternoon to discuss the situation. So far, it has been decided that all teams must undergo three further rounds of testing. No training and games will be held till then.
Once the tests are completed in a week, the committee will once again convene on January 4 to review the situation. If the circumstances are not alarming matches might resume from the following match day which is January 9.
The league will have to reschedule two matches per side and as of now, it seems likely that a 10-day break will be enforced at the minimum.
I-League suspended: Multiple COVID-19 cases detected in bubble, I-League suspended for next two rounds
I-League statement on suspension:
“The Committee deliberated at length about the current situation wherein positive cases have been detected among participating teams in the ongoing Hero I-League 2021-22, and also took into serious consideration suggestions of Dr. Harsh Mahajan, a Padma Shri, a member of the AIFF Sports Medical Committee, to adhere to medical parameters, and move forward together without making any compromise on the health of the players which is of paramount importance.
“Dr. Mahajan, informed that there needs to be bare minimum contact among all for the next 5-7 days as studies indicate that both the Delta and Omicron variant can be passed onto other human bodies within the period. Acting on the advice, the Committee hence, unanimously decided to postpone the Hero I-League 2021-22 matches for the next round which were scheduled on December 30-31, 2021.
“All players, staff, and referees have already been tested today, and will be tested again on January 1 and January 3, 2022 respectively. The League will review the situation once all test results come in on January 4, 2022, and reach a consensus thereafter including the next round matches on Jan 4-5.
I-League suspended: Multiple COVID-19 cases detected in bubble, I-League suspended for next two rounds
“Meanwhile, all the players who have tested positive have already been moved to isolation with AIFF monitoring and arranging for subsequent regular medical consultations,” AIFF statement read.
Thirteen teams are competing in this year’s I-League across three venues in and around Kolkata — the Mohun Bagan Ground, the Kalyani Stadium and the Naihati Stadium. Four hotels had been earmarked to be converted in bio-bubbles for the purpose and players, support staff, referees and officials along with volunteers will be housed in these bio-bubbles.
I-League suspended: Multiple COVID-19 cases detected in bubble, I-League suspended for next two rounds
