ISL postpones ATK Mohun Bagan-Odisha match after player tests COVID positive

A player from the home team has returned a positive report.

The Indian Super League have postponed the ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC match after an ATKMB player tested positive for COVID-19. The match, supposed to be played later today, will now be rescheduled to a later date.

A statement from the ISL mentioned that the league, in consultation with the medical team, have arrived at such a decision.

"The League will look to reschedule the fixture to a later date," said the statement. "The decision was taken in consultation with the League's medical team after an ATKMB player tested positive for COVID-19.

"The League will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved," added the release.

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ISL points standings

It was an opportunity for ATK Mohun Bagan to leapfrog Mumbai City FC to the table summit. For Odisha FC, it presented a chance to re-enter the top four. The latter smashed defending champions and league leaders Mumbai in their previous game, while ATKMB played a draw against Odisha.

ATK Mohun Bagan are currently in fourth with 15 points from nine matches. Mumbai, having played an additional game, are two points ahead at the top. Odisha, meanwhile, are at seventh with 13 points in nine games. Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur, with 16 points each, complete the top four.

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A player testing positive for COVID-19 inside the bio-bubble would be alarming for the league organizers. Recently, the I-League, India's second division, was postponed for at least six weeks after several positive cases across teams and multiple bio-bubble breaches. With more than half of the ISL 2021-22 seasons still remaining, the organizers would want to avoid any further postponements.

I-League postponed

The I-League organizers announced the decision after just the first round following several positive cases inside the bio-bubble. A review meeting will take place after four weeks to take stock of the situation, the league announced.

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