KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan have pulled out of the Asian Champions League Elite just hours before their final league phase game against Ulsan HD in South Korea today.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement that Shandong were “considered to have withdrawn” from the competition after the club confirmed they did not intend to report for the game at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.
No reason was given for Shandong’s failure to travel for the game and the regional body said the issue would be referred to the relevant AFC committees.
Shandong took 10 points from their first seven games and needed only a draw against Ulsan to confirm their progress to the last 16.
Their withdrawal means fellow Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua are guaranteed a place in the next round.