Auckland City Announce Withdrawal from FIFA Club World Cup

 Auckland City announced on Friday their withdrawal from the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in UAE. 

Club president Ivan Vuksich said the decision was not taken lightly.

"We're obviously bitterly disappointed that circumstances have put participation beyond our reach for the second year in a row. A lot of hard work and effort went into preparing to compete in the UAE, so to be unable to go is a blow," Auckland City said in a statement.

"Auckland City FC has informed FIFA that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine measures required by the New Zealand authorities, the club will be unable to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2021."

Auckland City FC were also forced to withdraw from last year's edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar because of the effect of Covid-19 border restrictions in New Zealand.

The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™ is scheduled for February, 2022.