Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches will be played behind closed doors this weekend in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The world is currently facing the outbreak of the coronavirus which had originated from China. The virus has diffused in several countries causing some to suspend their footballing activities and live gatherings in general.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the decision was taken in line with the Ministry of Health’s move to ban all public gatherings including sporting activities for the next 30-days.
However, FKF has suspended all lower-tier league matches indefinitely and indicated that from Monday, all football activities in the country will be suspended.
“The federation has suspended indefinitely, FKF grass-root football competitions and women leagues that include, the Kenya Women Premier League, Women Division One League, all FKF Branch Leagues, National Division One League, National Division Two League, FKF grass-root sanctioned tournaments and Academies competitions,” a statement from the federation states.
“However, all National Super League and the FKF Cup games will kick off as planned, behind closed doors this weekend but will remain suspended indefinitely from Monday, March 16, 2020 including the Kenyan Premier League. As a precautionary measure, there will be no pre and post-match handshakes in the said fixtures and fans will not be allowed in and around the stadium.
“Further, FKF advises all clubs, both at the national and grass-root level, to cancel and/or suspend non-essential activities that include, but are not limited to open training sessions, unplanned fan engagements and unnecessary team travels.
“The federation is actively monitoring the development of the Corona Virus in Kenya and beyond, and continues to liaise with the Kenyan government, CAF and FIFA in the execution of both the domestic and international football matches, and will continue to give timely updates of the same.
“The aforementioned decision has been reached to safeguard the safety of all football players, technical staff, fans and the general Kenyan public,” the statement, signed by the federation’s Secretary-General, Barry Otieno added.
Kenyan Premier League is not the only competition to be ordered to resume in such manner, Italy’s Serie A also followed the same footsteps following a governmental decision.
Kenya confirmed the first case of the dreaded Coronavirus on Friday and nearly all sports bodies in the country including Kenya Rugby Union, Kenya Hockey Union, Kenya Volleyball Federation and Kenya Handball Federation have suspended their season.
Earlier this week, FKF wrote to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requesting postponement of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Harambee Stars and Comoros following the government’s directive to suspend all international engagements.
