(Reuters) - 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 on Wednesday.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said that Shandong were "considered to have withdrawn" from the competition after the club confirmed they did not intend to report for the game at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.
Shandong published a statement on their website stating that "due to serious physical discomfort of the team members, and after evaluation by the medical team, the players were unable to form a team to participate against Ulsan HD Football Club.
"We deeply regret this and apologise to the AFC, Ulsan HD, the fans and all sectors of society."
The confederation had earlier 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.
(Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Peter Rutherford and Christian Radnedge)
