ADDS AFC comments
Guangzhou Evergrande players say they are homesick and desperate to return to China after being stuck in Qatar following their elimination from the AFC Champions League.
Fabio Cannavaro's side are among three Chinese Super League teams still in Qatar despite being knocked out of the premier Asian competition last Friday, with reports saying they are awaiting approval for a charter flight.
The others are Shanghai SIPG, who lost in the last 16 on Monday, and Shanghai Shenhua, who have been stewing for a week since their continental title bid ended.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) suggested that the hold-up was likely due to coronavirus arrival rules in China, not because of any local difficulties.