NEW DELHI: FIFA has decided to postpone the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup that was scheduled to be held in various cities in India in November due to coronavirus pandemic.
The tournament was to be competed among 16 teams, with hosts India being automatic qualifiers.
It was to be India’s maiden appearance in the U-17 Women’s World Cup. The new dates will be identified later, FIFA said in a statement.
The decision was taken by the FIFA-Confederations working group which was recently established by the Bureau of the FIFA Council to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Local Organising Committee are supportive of the decision by FIFA to postpone FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup,” the AIFF said in a statement on Saturday.
The COVID-19 outbreak has claimed 62 lives in India, with over 2,300 positive cases in the country. Globally, the death toll has crossed the 50,000-mark.
The U-17 Women’s World Cup was scheduled to be played across five host cities – Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.
“We agree that this has been made with the highest regard for public health, and the participating teams, host cities, staff and visiting fans, and keeps the best interests of everyone in mind,” the AIFF said.
“We were, of course, looking forward to hosting the tournament this year, but at the same time, we are mindful of all those around the world and in our country potentially impacted by our decisions,” the AIFF said.
The I-League has remained unfinished though Mohun Bagan has already wrapped up the title with four matches to spare.
The LOC and AIFF will work with FIFA to determine the most suitable dates for the Tournament. We look forward to hosting a successful Tournament in the near future.
