Scotland have withdrawn from the UEFA Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifying Round following a number of positive COVID-19 tests within the squad.
Pauline MacDonald’s side were due to travel to face Slovenia, Czech Republic and hosts the Netherlands ahead of tomorrow’s opening match.
All players were tested on arrival on Sunday and returned negative results. Unfortunately, UEFA testing yesterday morning has subsequently returned a number of positive results within the playing squad.
The squad were subsequently left with too few players to fulfil their three match schedule, resulting in the decision to withdraw from the competition.
Scottish FA Chief Football Officer Andy Gould told scottishfa.co.uk: “As soon as we were informed of the positive tests our medical staff contacted the relevant authorities and have subsequently informed UEFA that, regrettably, we will no longer be able to participate in the qualification round.
“These qualification tournaments provide invaluable developmental experience for our young players and we explored every option to try to fulfil our fixtures before making the difficult decision to withdraw.
“We are of course bitterly disappointed at not being able to compete but, as always, the health and wellbeing of all our players and staff is paramount.”
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