Shandong Taishan abruptly withdrew from the AFC Champions League Elite, citing "serious physical discomfort of team members" as the reason. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed that Shandong did not intend to report for their match against Ulsan HD. Consequently, all results involving Shandong have been declared null and void, impacting the final standings in the East Region where teams played an unequal number of matches. The league stage of this region was set to conclude on Wednesday, with Shandong needing only a draw to advance to the round of 16.
"Due to the serious physical discomfort of team members, the medial team evaluated that the players were unable assemble a side to participate in the 8th [match day] of the AFC Champions League against Ulsan HD." – Shandong Taishan
The withdrawal has sparked various conspiracy theories on social media. One theory suggests a political demonstration by locals surrounding Shandong's hotel as a reason for their discomfort. Another points to an incident in their earlier game against Gwangju FC, where Chinese fans reportedly displayed photos of a sensitive nature to South Korean spectators, including an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
The AFC has reiterated that their tournament rules allow results involving a withdrawn team to be automatically voided, reinforcing the decision made after Shandong's exit. This leaves the tournament's East Region standings altered, as teams played an unequal number of matches due to the withdrawal.
"We deeply regret this and apologise to the AFC, Ulsan HD, the fans and all sectors of society." – Shandong Taishan
Shandong's apology to the AFC, Ulsan HD, and their fans reflects the broader implications of their sudden departure. The decision not only affects their own standing but also the competitive integrity of the league, as clubs in the East Region face an uneven playing field in terms of match results.
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