CAF Closely Monitoring Coronavirus Situation

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving developments surrounding Coronavirus outbreak.

Cases of the deadly virus have been confirmed in major African football countries namely Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, South Africa, Togo and Nigeria.

A statement from CAF issued on Friday evening indicates that the football governing body has formed a medical committee as part of its measures to protect the health of players and all actors of the game.

“A team has been set up, under the authority of the CAF President, made up of experts from various fields, particularly medical, who are essentially responsible for the health of the players and the members of the African football family,” reads part of the statement.

Africa has three major tournaments lined up this year including CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and the final tournament of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled to take place in Cameroon from April 2-5-, and the body says they are not extremely worried but remain vigilant.

“The team is in touch with the countries organizing these matches and reports in due time on updates to the Executive Committee,” adds the statement.

“If the situation requires and in agreement with the countries concerned, matches behind closed doors, postponements or even cancellations are envisaged. In the meantime, an advisory to the actors of the game is being promulgated in conformity with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).”

One of CAF members, Morocco, has already announced that all matches in the country to be played behind closed doors in its efforts to try and combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The order means that Confederation Cup quarter-final second legs between Moroccan side Hassania Agadir and Libya’s Al Nasr, Renaissance Berkane versus Al Masry of Egypt, will be played without an audience this Sunday.