BFC to travel to Male for AFC Cup match despite political turmoil

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Bengaluru, February 10: The political turmoil and the resultant state of emergency in Male will not affect the AFC Cup match between Bengaluru FC (BFC) and the Maldivian TC Sports Club, confirmed Male officials.

A letter from the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) to AFC stated that the BFC match will go as per schedule on Tuesday (February 13) at the Male National Stadium.

The return will take place in Bengaluru on February 20. Lt Colonel Ahmed Thohir, Principal Director, Directorate of Administration and Personnel Services, Male, also stated that the AFC has conveyed the message to BFC.

"This is to certify that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will be providing the required and necessary assistance and support to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Football Association of Maldives for the upcoming match of Bangalore FC of India against TC Sports Club of Maldives to be played on 13th February 2018 in Male City in AFC Cup qualifying 2018. MNDF assures its highest consideration in the above matter," he said in the letter.

BFC will leave for Male on Sunday (February 10).

"We had approached AFC through the All India Football Federation to check the status of the match and if it is safe for us to play there in the prevailing circumstances. We have been assured by the AFC that it is safe and the match will go ahead as scheduled," Bengaluru FC's Chief Technical Officer Mandar Tamhane was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.