The Australian men’s team has had to forfeit their first match of the placement round against Oman today.
Several players have returned positive Covid-19 tests over the past week, forcing them into isolation.
With only seven players remaining negative, Australia submitted an application to Asian Handball Federation to forfeit the match, in order to protect the players, opponents and match officials.
With some players nearing the end of their seven days of isolation, the Australian team is hopeful they will be able to field a team for their later placement games.
In accordance with the rules, Oman will be awarded a 10:0 victory for the forfeit.
Australia is due to play Hong Kong on 23 January, and Singapore on 25 January in the placement rounds of the 2022 Asian Men’s Championship.
