Several World Cup football qualifiers slated for China were relocated to Dubai on Monday due to coronavirus illnesses in the Syria and Maldives teams, as per the Chinese Football Association.

Seven Group A matchups involving China, Syria, the Maldives, the Philippines, and Guam are affected, complicating the already difficult Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

"In light of the recent pandemic illnesses in the Maldives and Syrian national football teams," a CFA statement read, "they should be rigorously quarantined upon admission and cannot play in the games as scheduled."

"Thus according to AFC (Asian Football Confederation) suggestions, the Chinese FA decided that the remaining qualifying games... would not be hosted in Suzhou and will be shifted to be hosted in Dubai," it said.

The events were intended to take place in a secure "bubble" in the Chinese city of Suzhou during the following two weeks.

The Maldives and Syria, as per China's Titan Sports, are now in Dubai and have been denied permission to travel for China.

Maldives striker Ali Ashfaq said on Twitter that he had tested positive and will not be participating in the qualifiers.

China, who thrashed Guam 7-0 on Sunday, was supposed to play the Maldives on Thursday, while Syria and the Maldives were slated to play on June 7.

China is second, in this same group lagging Syria, and is struggling to keep its World Cup chances alive. The games will also serve as qualifiers for the Asian Cup in China in 2023.

The CFA stated, "The Chinese Football Association would make all effort to set up for the games."