04.06.2021 08:31 h

Australian sides pull out of Champions League after Covid rejig

Australian sides Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar have pulled out of the Asian Champions League, organisers said Friday, after an A-League overhaul caused scheduling clashes.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the withdrawals, but not give any explanation.

However it came hours after the A-League said its finals schedule had been rejigged to run from June 11-26, because of coronavirus restrictions prompted by an outbreak in Victoria state.

Brisbane were due to face Philippine team Kaya FC-Iloilo on June 20 in the Champions League preliminary round, and Melbourne were to play Japan's Cerezo Osaka the following day.

Sydney had a group stage match against South Korea's Jeonbuk Motors scheduled for June 26.