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Reigning champions Al Hilal kicked out of AFC Champions League after naming line-up with NINE players due to Covid-19

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have been kicked out of the AFC Champions League after a coronavirus outbreak saw the team name just nine players in the starting line-up for a match on Wednesday.

Al Hilal had only eight outfield players to start Wednesday's match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, with a pair of goalkeepers named on the bench.

The club's weakened line-up came in the wake of a massive coronavirus outbreak, with 15 players testing positive for the virus in recent days.

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Following a series of positive tests, the AFC allowed Al Hilal to add two goalkeepers to replace those who had tested positive for Covid-19 and worked with the Qatar Football Association to secure a timely arrival in Doha for two players and two officials who had not travelled.