This Dec 7, 2020, photo released by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) shows the trophy displayed on stage before the UEFA preliminary draw for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the Hallenstadion in Zurich. (KURT SCHORRER / FIFA / AFP)

BEIJING - The remaining Group A matches of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers will be moved to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates from Suzhou, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced here on Monday.

"Because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives and Syria, the teams from the two countries will have to be under strict quarantine upon their arrival in China according to the pandemic prevention measures, which means they are not able to compete on schedule," the CFA announced in a statement.

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"Under the suggestion of the Asian Football Confederation, the CFA agreed to move the remaining Group A matches of the FIFA 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers to Dubai, UAE," the statement read.

According to the previous schedule, China will face the Maldives on June 3 while the Maldives take on Syria on June 7.

China beat Guam 7-0 in Suzhou on Sunday.