1. Home
2. Sports

Bengaluru FC asked to leave Maldives over Covid-19 protocol breach, owner Parth Jindal promises strict action

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 5/10/2021 1:18:09 PM

New Delhi, May 9 Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal on Sunday apologised for the "inexcusable behaviour" of three of their foreign players and staff after Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof accused the Indian Super League club of breaching Covid-19 protocols in Male. Parth Jindal said Bengaluru FC has let down the AFC by breaching the Covid-19 protocols and promised "strictest action" against the offenders. Bengaluru FC are in Male for their AFC Cup play-offs against Club Eagles of the Maldives. "On behalf of @bengalurufc, I am extremely sorry for the inexcusable behavior of three of our foreign players/staff while in Male - the strictest action will be taken against these players/staff. We have let @AFCCup down and can only say that this will never happen again," Parth Jindal said in a tweet. The exact nature of the alleged breach by BFC, which is captained by India skipper Sunil Chhetri, is not clear but sports minister Mahloof termed it as "unacceptable behaviour". BFC had reached Maldives on Friday, according tot he Press Trust of India. "Unacceptable behavior from @bengalurufc breaching the strict guidelines from HPA (Health Protection Agency) & @theafcdotcom. The club should leave the Maldives immediately as we can't entertain this act," Mahloof said in a tweet. "We have informed FAM that we cannot hold the match, and asked them to make arrangements for @bengalurufc's departure. We will be in further correspondence with AFC through @MaldivesFA to postpone the group stage." Maldives is hosting the play-off match and all the Group D matches as the AFC wanted single venues.