Shandong Taishan Withdraws from AFC Champions League; Shanghai Port Advances
In a surprising turn of events in the AFC Champions League Elite, Shandong Taishan from the Chinese mainland has withdrawn from the tournament due to significant health concerns within the team. The decision came after the squad arrived in South Korea to face Ulsan but found themselves unable to field a lineup.
The health issues, which have not been specified in detail, left Shandong Taishan without enough fit players to compete, leading to their withdrawal from not only the match but the entire competition. This unexpected move has opened the door for fellow Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port to advance to the last 16 in Shandong’s place.
Despite Shanghai Port’s 2-0 defeat at home to Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos, they stand to benefit from Shandong’s exit. The match saw Shanghai Port nearly take the lead in the 11th minute, but Leonardo’s goal was disallowed for offside after a contentious play. Yokohama capitalized in the second half, with Asahi Uenaka breaking the deadlock 19 minutes after the restart. Jun Amano doubled the lead five minutes later, securing the top spot in the East Group for Yokohama.
Shanghai Port finished the group stage in 10th place but could still qualify for the knockout rounds due to the annulment of Shandong Taishan’s results. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has yet to announce how they will handle the withdrawal, leaving teams and fans awaiting further updates as the knockout stage approaches in early March.
