National Football team star Ali Ashfaq tests positive for COVID-19

Maldives National Football Team player Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey) has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Ashfaq is currently in Dubai, UAE, with the national team for a training camp. The team camped at Hotel Jen in the Maldives before departing to Dubai for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. The national team departed for Dubai after COVID-19 regulations hindered practices in the Maldives. The team even carried out practices in the ballroom of the Hotel Jen while camping in the Maldives. So far, the national team has had only six practice sessions on the pitch. 

The national team underwent PCR tests in preparation for the departure to China. Forward Ali Ashfaq, the team's star player and one of the most decorated players in the history of the Maldives tested positive for COVID-19. It is not confirmed how many other players have tested positive. 

Ashfaq sent out a tweet earlier today, confirming that he had tested positive. He said that he was doing well, but would not be able to play in the qualifying matches for the national team. 

I have been tested positive for COVID-19 from the most recent PCR & blood tests conducted in Dubai yesterday. I am doing well Alhamdulillah! pic.twitter.com/RKHLx2cxRM

— Ali Ashfaq (@AliAshfaq07) May 30, 2021

Ashfaq had gone into isolation before the departure to Dubai after his wife tested positive for the virus. He was allowed to rejoin the camp after he tested negative for the virus. More players are now expected to test positive for the virus due to the close proximity with Ashfaq and the training sessions all players held together. 

The Maldives is in fourth place in the World Cup qualifying group. Syria is in first with 15 points from five matches while China is in second place with seven points from four matches. Third place is the Philippines with seven points from five matches. The Maldives is in fourth place with six points from four matches while Guam is yet to earn a point from five matches. 

Ali Ashfaq is widely regarded as the best player in the history of Maldivian football and is even regarded as one of the best players from Asia. He is the top scorer for the Maldives and was an important player in the first-ever Saff championship won by the Maldives in 2008. 

The Maldives was set to play against China on June 3, before the positive result of Ali Ashfaq.