FIFA
Saturday 19 March 2022, 10:45

Statement on the Vanuatu national team

DOHA, QATAR - APRIL 01: The World Cup trophy is seen during rehearsal ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at Doha Exhibition Center on April 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Vanuatu Football Federation has informed FIFA of its decision to withdraw from the FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers. The decision follows tests conducted on 17 March 2022 that revealed positive cases of COVID-19 in the majority of Vanuatu’s national team ahead of their FIFA World Cup™ qualification match against Tahiti that was due to be played in Doha. In line with the applicable protocol and given the seven-day quarantine requirement, the Vanuatu Football Federation has confirmed to FIFA that it’s not in a position to play its upcoming FIFA World Cup™ qualification matches. FIFA has forwarded the relevant details to its Disciplinary Committee. Until further notice, Vanuatu’s FIFA World Cup™ qualification matches are deemed to be abandoned.