AFC’s #BreakTheChain continues to inspire hope in battle against COVID-19
Vietnam and Viettel FC defender Bui Tien Dung, Thailand star Charyl Chappuis as well as China PR and Shanghai Shenhua winger Cao Yunding are the latest trio of Asian stars to feature in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) BreakTheChain campaign, which continues to engage with millions of fans to do their part in combating the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advocating the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines on social distancing, personal hygiene and where applicable, staying at home, the mass awareness campaign has garnered the support of more than 120 Asian icons offering helpful and hopeful reminders amidst these unprecedented times.
Tien Dung, who delivered the decisive spot-kick against Jordan when the Golden Stars made history to reach the AFC Asian Cup quarter-final for the first time in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, added: “These are unsettling times and my heart and prayers go out first and foremost to those who have been physically affected by the virus and to the medical personnel who are on the frontlines.
“In a global crisis, we need a global solution and that requires the world to come together to break the chain and to fight this pandemic as one united community.
“Our focus must be to commit ourselves to the advice of our medical experts, protect our loved ones and to look out for our elderly. When this is over, we can all take great comfort and pride that communities across the world will be more resilient than ever.”
Midfielder Chappuis, who lifted the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 crown with Switzerland before opting to represent his mother’s homeland, Thailand in 2013, stressed the need to curb the spread of misinformation: “This COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world at all levels and the manner in which we live, interact and communicate with everyone has evolved in such a short time.
“We are relying on technology more than ever. Social media is a gateway to our loved ones and while we must continue to remain in close contact, we must also be mindful to share appropriate and accurate information.
“We have a responsibility to listen only to the health authorities and to share information from official sources. The last thing we need is panic and anxiety during these challenging times. We must keep our composure and with some patience and kindness, we can rise above this crisis together.”
Cao, who clinched the Chinese FA Cup’s Most Valuable Player award in 2017 during Shanghai Shenhua’s remarkable run to the coveted trophy also appears in today’s video with several more icons including former Al Duhail and Algerian international Madjid Bougherra as well as Japan and Sampdoria SC’s Maya Yoshida set to headline the upcoming #BreakTheChain videos.
