"Taiwan fans alleged Chen was booted out for chanting for Taiwan rather than Chinese Taipei, the designation used for Taiwanese teams at international sporting events. Taiwan has long competed as Chinese Taipei to assuage China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own. Taiwan's government rejects Chinese sovereignty claims."
"World number 40 Taiwan will be the underdogs against defending champions China when they meet at Perth Rectangular Stadium. All semifinalists qualify directly for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four losing quarterfinalists battle for two more places in the playoffs on the Gold Coast next week."
"Chen's ejection prompted the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney to lodge a protest with the AFC. Fans also alleged flags and pro-Taiwan banners had been confiscated at the stadium. The AFC, which organises the quadrennial Asian Cup, was investigating the Chen incident and declined to comment."
Taiwan and China will compete in the Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal on Saturday at Perth Rectangular Stadium, with geopolitical tensions affecting the match atmosphere. Former Taiwan men's coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected by AFC security after leading cheers for Taiwan during their 3-1 victory over India, with fans alleging he was removed for chanting for Taiwan rather than Chinese Taipei, the official designation for Taiwanese teams. Taiwan's government lodged a protest with the AFC, and fans reported confiscation of pro-Taiwan flags and banners. Taiwan, ranked 40th globally, faces defending champions China as underdogs. All semifinalists qualify for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, while losing quarterfinalists compete for two additional spots in playoffs.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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