Shandong Taishan, a top Chinese Super League club, has withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Elite, citing “serious physical discomfort” among its players. The team was set to play South Korea’s Ulsan HD on Wednesday but did not show up for the match, resulting in their automatic disqualification from the tournament.
In a brief statement on their official Weibo account, Shandong apologized to the AFC, Ulsan HD, fans, and the public, expressing deep regret over the situation. The exact cause of the players’ health issues remains unclear, with no confirmation of whether it was due to illness or other factors.
The withdrawal has caused significant disruption to the competition. Shandong needed only a draw to secure a spot in the round of 16. According to AFC regulations, all of Shandong’s previous results will likely be canceled, creating an uneven standings table in the East Region. Some teams will have played eight matches, while others will have only seven, potentially leading to disputes over fairness in qualification or knockout stage draws.
Meanwhile, social media has been filled with speculation about the sudden withdrawal. Some rumors suggest political protests outside Shandong’s hotel, while others link it to tensions from their previous match against Gwangju FC, where Chinese fans allegedly displayed sensitive images. However, no official explanation has been provided to confirm these claims.
The AFC is expected to announce the round of 16 lineup soon, with the league stage concluding after Shanghai Port’s match against Yokohama F. Marinos. More details about Shandong’s withdrawal and its impact on the tournament are anticipated in the coming days.
