The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released guidelines to be followed by members associations, players, and managers before the resumption of the beautiful game.
Most of the football leagues across the continent were suspended following the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands.
The continental body’s website says that the guidelines were put together by the CAF Medical Committee in collaboration with the Technical and Development Department as well as a team of experts.
“It is clear that the federations must first ensure that the players’ salary situation is favourable for any resumption of training and competition activities,” said CAF on the release of a 27-page document titled “CAF Guidelines to Resume Football in Africa”.
The document places emphasis on the health of the major stakeholders (players, officials, fans, partners) as the essential element, which should constitute the basis of all decisions regarding the reintroduction of football activities across the continent, depending on authorisation from relevant State authorities.
The plan also highlights an effective, and continuous medical testing of players and officials, guidelines for training sessions, disinfection of sporting facilities, as well as strict adherence to the global preventive protocols.
“This comprehensive document is a major step towards resuming football on the continent,’’ CAF acting general-secretary, Abdelmounaim Bah.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Based on recent developments, it is important we have a plan in place to guide our stakeholders on the return of continental and domestic competitions, and the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach. [/perfectpullquote]
“Many considerations were factored into the putting together of the document by our team of experts, notably the specificities of the continent.
CAF are also planning for the resumption of inter-club competitions like the CAF Champions League, where FC Platinum are supposed to represent Zimbabwe later this year.
The organising committee for Inter-clubs competitions and management of club licensing and the organising committee for women’s football held meetings last week, via video-conference, on the future of the various competitions.
The CAF executive committee is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, via video-conference, and will make pronouncements on the recommendations by the standing committees.
