COVID 19: Kaizer Chiefs Tie Against Wydad Casablanca Called Off

Kaizer Chiefs won’t be able to enter into Morocco to honour their opening African Champions League group match against Wydad Casablanca on Saturday.

Chiefs have confirmed the new development after Moroccan authorities failed to grant visas for the Amakhosi due to the new Covid-19 variant in South Africa.

The Soweto giants had requested for the way forward from Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the North African country’s embassy failed to let them travel to Rabat.

The Amakhosi have now informed the club followers that the continental football mother body has informed them to wait for the decision to be made on the way forward regarding the match.

Chiefs had fulfilled all the requirements needed for their travel, including all Covid-19 protocols requirements for their trip, and they were due to depart from OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday evening.

“Kaizer Chiefs can confirm that the club finally received communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) via SAFA on Wednesday night (22:00) that the group stages game between Chiefs and Wydad Athletic, that was scheduled for Saturday in Morocco, will not take place,” read a statement from the club on Thursday evening.

“The continent’s footballing body added that they would communicate their decision on the matter in due course.

“Chiefs have now cancelled all their logistical arrangements related to the match, including flights and accommodation.

“Amakhosi will await CAF’s decision on the matter and will update all our stakeholders once communication is received from the continental footballing body.

“We would like to thank everyone who has assisted in trying to help Kaizer Chiefs in acquiring visas for Morocco, including South Africa’s Ambassador to Morocco, specifically HE Rehaan Ebrahim who has persistently been following up with the Moroccan government authorities verbally and with official communication alerting them to our situation.”

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is reported to have sent a letter to the CAF Clubs Committee requesting them to postpone the match or hold it in another country if that is not possible.