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Agence France-Presse

Guangzhou Evergrande players say they are homesick and desperate to return to China after being stuck in Qatar following their elimination from the AFC Champions League.
Fabio Cannavaro’s side are among three Chinese Super League teams still in Qatar despite being knocked out of the competition, with reports saying they are awaiting approval for a charter flight.
The others are Shanghai clubs Shenhua and SIPG, with the former already stewing for a week since their continental title bid ended.
This year’s delayed Champions League is taking place behind closed doors in a secure “bubble” in Qatar because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Andres Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe see off Shanghai SIPG, Hulk departs
Beforehand, global footballers union FIFPro accused the Asian Football Confederation of failing to consult players about moving the tournament to the nation hosting the 2022 World Cup.
With their season over and Cannavaro seemingly on the brink of the sack, Evergrande’s players have broken rank.

Midfielder Yan Dinghao wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo that he was on “the edge of collapse, really homesick”.
Team-mate He Chao added: “When will we be able to return????”
Guangzhou Evergrande crash out after Vissel Kobe hand Suwon Samsung Bluewings victory
Forward Wei Shihao also wrote on Weibo: “I can only stay locked in my hotel room. I can’t see my family. I want to go home.”
Thursday’s Shanghai Morning Post said CSL players were “exhausted physically and mentally” having already spent several months separated from family during the domestic season.
All four Chinese teams – Beijing Guoan play in the quarter-finals later Thursday – “expressed their desire” not go to Qatar in the first place, the newspaper said.
The newspaper said that the AFC subsidised meals and hotel accommodation while teams remained in the competition, but the clubs have to foot the bill once knocked out.
The AFC did not immediately respond to a request for comment about why teams had been unable to secure a flight home.


Asian Champions League Elite: Shanghai Shenhua coach says Chinese teams must up intensity

Shandong Taishan pull out of Asian Champions League Elite just before game against Ulsan

Asian Champions League Elite: Japan trio eye qualification; former champs Ulsan face exit

Asian Champions League Elite: Al-Hilal stay top of Western group, Ronaldo eyes next round

AFC Champions League

AFC Champions League: ‘homesick’ Chinese teams stuck in Qatar after early exit

Chinese teams, including Shanghai SIPG, are now stuck in Doha after being dumped out of the AFC Champions League. Photo: Xinhua

(201124) -- DOHA, Nov. 24, 2020 (Xinhua) -- Fabio Cannavaro (R), head coach of Guangzhou Evergrande, attends the press conference ahead of the group G match between Vissel Kobe of Japan and Guangzhou Evergrande of China at the AFC Champions League 2020 in Doha, capital of Qatar, Nov. 24, 2020. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)

AFC Champions League: Beijing Guoan march in quarter-finals with win over FC Tokyo

Beijing Guoan players celebrate after winning their round of 16 match against FC Tokyo of Japan in the 2020 AFC Champions League in Doha, Qatar. Photo: Xinhua

AFC Champions League: Guangzhou Evergrande crash out after Vissel Kobe hand Suwon Samsung Bluewings victory

Guangzhou Evergrande coach Fabio Cannavaro throws away his jacket during the AFC Champions League group G draw with Suwon Samsung Bluewings on December 1. Photo: AFP

Fan fury as Chinese Super League clubs told to change names

Shanghai SIPG and Jiangsu Suning are among the clubs who will be forced to change their name. Image: SCMP Sport

AFC Champions League: Guangzhou Evergrande staring at early exit, Shanghai SIPG ship four to Sydney

Guangzhou Evergrande head coach Fabio Cannavaro gestures during the AFC Champions League group G match against Vissel Kobe. Photo: EPA

Sport

Football


This year’s delayed Champions League is taking place behind closed doors in a secure ‘bubble’ in Doha because of the coronavirus pandemic



This year’s delayed Champions League is taking place behind closed doors in a secure ‘bubble’ in Doha because of the coronavirus pandemic.


Chinese Super League