The Vietnamese futsal team (in red) seen at a recent international match. — Photo vff.org.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the AFC Futsal Championship 2020 will be postponed due to the deadly coronavirus.

The tournament was scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan from February 26 to March 8 featuring teams from 12 countries.

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said to ensure the safety of the teams, the competition will be delayed until a later date.

To prepare for the tournament, the Vietnamese futsal team is planning to visit Spain for a training camp, which the Việt Nam Football Federation say will still go ahead.

In Spain, Việt Nam will play three friendly matches against Uma Antaquera, Malaga CF and Real Betis.

The AFC Futsal Championship will also serve as a qualification event for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2020, with the five best teams in Asia set to earn a place to compete at the upcoming global competition in Lithuania. — VNS