By Adrian Stewart Co

Philippine Azkals matches in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup are on hold following the recent pullout of China to host the remainder of the event.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the team is still waiting for the communication from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to determine which country will replace China as the qualifier’s host.

“Our priority remains the health and safety of every individual in the team,” Palami said in a statement on Monday night. “We urge the fans to remain patient as we wait for a fair and reasonable decision on the venue and schedule of our matches.”

The Azkals were supposed to fly to China on Monday evening for their scheduled matches in Suzhou against Guam on June 3, China on June 9 and Maldives on June 15.

The pullout of China, according to Palami, is a positive development in a way for the national men’s football team as four members of the team could be barred from entering China.

According to Palami, two Azkals officials were positive of IgM antibodies due to their recent COVID-19 vaccination, while two others were due to a history of being COVID-19 positive last year.

“We would have been severely shorthanded in China if the games pushed through there,” said Palami. “The team will continue to train in Doha for now until we are told of the new developments.”

The Scott Cooper-mentored national men’s football team is currently at third place in Group A with seven points on two wins, two losses and a draw.

The group winner and possibly the runner-up will advance to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers while gaining direct berths to the 2023 Asian Cup, while the third placer will advance to the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers./ASC, WDJ